Dolby Laboratories (DLB) 10-K 16 Nov 20 2020 FY Annual report Financial data

Cover

Cover - USD ($) $ in Billions	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 25, 2020	Oct. 23, 2020	Mar. 27, 2020
Entity Information [Line Items]
Document Type	10-K
Document Annual Report	true
Document Period End Date	Sep. 25, 2020
Document Transition Report	false
Entity File Number	001-32431
Entity Registrant Name	DOLBY LABORATORIES, INC.
Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code	DE
Entity Tax Identification Number	90-0199783
Entity Address, Address Line One	1275 Market Street
Entity Address, City or Town	San Francisco
Entity Address, State or Province	CA
Entity Address, Postal Zip Code	94103-1410
City Area Code	415
Local Phone Number	558-0200
Title of 12(b) Security	Class A common stock, $0.001 par value
Trading Symbol	DLB
Security Exchange Name	NYSE
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	Yes
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Interactive Data Current	Yes
Entity Shell Company	false
ICFR Auditor Attestation Flag	true
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Small Business	false
Entity Emerging Growth Company	false
Entity Public Float			$ 3.1
Documents Incorporated by Reference	DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE Portions of the registrant’s Definitive Proxy Statement to be filed with the Commission pursuant to Regulation 14A in connection with the registrant’s 2021 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, to be filed subsequent to the date hereof, are incorporated by reference into Part III of this Report. Such Definitive Proxy Statement will be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission not later than 120 days after the conclusion of the registrant’s fiscal year ended September 25, 2020. Except with respect to information specifically incorporated by reference in this Form 10-K, the Definitive Proxy Statement is not deemed to be filed as part of this Form 10-K.
Entity Central Index Key	0001308547
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--09-25
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2020
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY
Amendment Flag	false
Class A Common Stock [Member]
Entity Information [Line Items]
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		64,219,912
Common Class B [Member]
Entity Information [Line Items]
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		36,128,720

Consolidated Balance Sheets

Consolidated Balance Sheets - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 25, 2020	Sep. 27, 2019
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 1,071,876	$ 797,210
Restricted cash	8,103	8,383
Short-term investments	46,948	119,146
Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $15,908 and $9,775	180,340	189,115
Contract with Customer, Asset, Net	161,357	195,651
Inventories	25,550	32,331
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	53,022	39,704
Total current assets	1,547,196	1,381,540
Long-term investments	52,149	179,587
Property, plant and equipment, net	541,963	537,432
Operating lease right-of-use assets	76,515	0
Intangible assets, net	152,431	180,891
Goodwill	336,945	334,829
Other non-current assets	91,245	93,395
Total assets	2,917,325	2,821,749
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable	12,617	15,212
Accrued liabilities	219,974	268,144
Income taxes payable	3,260	3,506
Contract liabilities	15,436	19,991
Operating lease liabilities	15,822	0
Total current liabilities	267,109	306,853
Non-current contract liabilities	24,342	24,404
Non-current operating lease liabilities	65,315	0
Other non-current liabilities	122,154	177,462
Total liabilities	478,920	508,719
Stockholders' equity:
Retained earnings	2,443,138	2,327,877
Accumulated other comprehensive income	(10,594)	(20,625)
Total stockholders’ equity – Dolby Laboratories, Inc.	2,432,643	2,307,351
Controlling interest	5,762	5,679
Total stockholders’ equity	2,438,405	2,313,030
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	2,917,325	2,821,749
Deferred Income Tax Assets, Net	118,881	114,075
Class A Common Stock [Member]
Stockholders' equity:
Common stock	58	58
Class B Common Stock [Member]
Stockholders' equity:
Common stock	$ 41	$ 41

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Pa

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) $ in Thousands	Sep. 25, 2020USD ($)vote$ / sharesshares	Sep. 27, 2019USD ($)vote$ / sharesshares
Allowance for doubtful accounts | $	$ 15,908	$ 9,775
Class A Common Stock [Member]
Common stock, par value (usd per share) | $ / shares	$ 0.001	$ 0.001
Common stock voting right per share (votes per share) | vote	1	1
Common Stock, Shares Authorized	500,000,000	500,000,000
Common Stock, Shares, Issued	64,167,725	63,911,270
Common Stock, Shares, Outstanding	64,167,725	63,911,270
Class B Common Stock [Member]
Common stock, par value (usd per share) | $ / shares	$ 0.001	$ 0.001
Common stock voting right per share (votes per share) | vote	10	10
Common Stock, Shares Authorized	500,000,000	500,000,000
Common Stock, Shares, Issued	36,128,720	36,229,820
Common Stock, Shares, Outstanding	36,128,720	36,229,820

Consolidated Statements Of Oper

Consolidated Statements Of Operations - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 25, 2020	Sep. 27, 2019	Sep. 28, 2018
Revenue:
Revenue	$ 1,161,792	$ 1,241,620
Total revenue	1,161,792	1,241,620	$ 1,054,600
Cost of revenue:
Total cost of revenue	146,498	160,854	127,562
Gross margin	1,015,294	1,080,766	927,038
Operating expenses:
Research and development	239,045	237,871	236,794
Sales and marketing	335,933	343,835	309,762
General and administrative	219,753	205,425	197,423
Restructuring charges	(1,821)	(36,558)	446
Total operating expenses	796,552	823,689	743,533
Operating income	218,742	257,077	183,505
Other income/expense:
Interest income	12,725	24,919	18,970
Interest expense	(186)	(170)	(198)
Other income/(expense), net	8,434	481	(5,903)
Total other income	20,973	25,230	12,869
Income before income taxes	239,715	282,307	196,374
Provision for income taxes	(8,096)	(26,802)	(154,069)
Net income including controlling interest	231,619	255,505	42,305
Less: net (income) attributable to controlling interest	(256)	(354)	(559)
Net income attributable to Dolby Laboratories, Inc.	$ 231,363	$ 255,151	$ 41,746
Net Income Per Share:
Basic (usd per share)	$ 2.30	$ 2.51	$ 0.40
Diluted (usd per share)	$ 2.25	$ 2.44	$ 0.39
Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted [Abstract]
Basic (shares)	100,564	101,629	103,377
Diluted (shares)	102,944	104,572	106,978
Related party rent expense:
Included in operating expenses	$ 126	$ 16,360	$ 3,483
Included in net income attributable to controlling interest	$ 455	$ 572	$ 712
Cash dividend declared per common share	$ 0.88	$ 0.79	$ 0.67
Cash dividend paid per common share	$ 0.88	$ 0.76	$ 0.64
Licensing
Revenue:
Revenue	$ 1,078,577	$ 1,107,280	$ 940,777
Cost of revenue:
Cost of revenue	50,822	57,531	42,583
Products and services
Revenue:
Revenue	83,215	134,340	113,823
Cost of revenue:
Cost of revenue	$ 95,676	$ 103,323	$ 84,979

Consolidated Statements of Comp

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income Statement - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 25, 2020	Sep. 27, 2019	Sep. 28, 2018
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income including controlling interest	$ 231,619	$ 255,505	$ 42,305
Other comprehensive income/(loss):
Currency translation adjustments, net of tax	7,552	(10,166)	(5,578)
Unrealized gains/(losses) on investments, net of tax	(1,380)	5,146	(2,571)
Unrealized gains on cash flow hedges, net of tax	3,969	0	0
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax	10,141	(5,020)	(8,149)
Comprehensive income	241,760	250,485	34,156
Less: comprehensive (income) attributable to controlling interest	(366)	(127)	(489)
Comprehensive income attributable to Dolby Laboratories, Inc.	$ 241,394	$ 250,358	$ 33,667

Consolidated Statements of Co_2

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income Statement (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 25, 2020	Sep. 27, 2019	Sep. 28, 2018
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Currency translation tax	$ 22	$ (439)	$ 106
Unrealized gains/(losses) on investments,tax	(926)	58	89
Unrealized gains on cash flow hedges, tax	$ (407)	$ 0	$ 0

Consolidated Statements Of Stoc

Consolidated Statements Of Stockholders' Equity - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Total	Additional Paid-In Capital [Member]	Retained Earnings [Member]	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member]	Total Dolby Laboratories,Inc.[Member]	Controlling Interest [Member]	Common Class A [Member]Common Stock [Member]	Common Class B [Member]Common Stock [Member]
Beginning balance, shares at Sep. 29, 2017							59,282,000	42,874,000
Beginning balance, value at Sep. 29, 2017	$ 2,398,727	$ 61,331	$ 2,337,948	$ (7,753)	$ 2,391,627	$ 7,100	$ 58	$ 43
Net income	42,305		41,746		41,746	559
Translation adjustments, net of taxes	(5,578)			(8,079)	(8,079)	(70)
Other comprehensive (loss), net of tax	(8,149)
Distributions to controlling interest	(1,022)					(1,022)
Stock-based compensation expense	71,249	71,249			71,249
Repurchase of common stock, shares							(2,381,000)
Repurchase of common stock, value	(150,470)	(150,468)			(150,470)		$ (2)
Cash dividends declared and paid on common stock	(66,155)		(66,155)		(66,155)
Class A common stock issued under employee stock plans, shares							3,823,000
Class A common stock issued under employee stock plans, value	106,162	106,159			106,162		$ 3
Shares repurchased for tax witholdings on vesting of restricted stock, shares							358,000
Shares repurchased for tax witholdings on vesting of restricted stock, value	(22,144)	(22,144)			(22,144)
Transfer of Class B common stock to Class A common stock, shares							(3,613,000)	3,613,000
Transfer of Class B common stock to Class A common stock, value							$ (2)	$ 2
Ending balance, shares at Sep. 28, 2018							63,979,000	39,261,000
Ending balance, value at Sep. 28, 2018	2,370,503	66,127	2,313,539	(15,832)	2,363,936	6,567	$ 61	$ 41
Net income	255,505		255,151		255,151	354
Translation adjustments, net of taxes	(10,166)			(4,793)	(4,793)	(227)
Other comprehensive (loss), net of tax	(5,020)
Distributions to controlling interest	(1,015)					(1,015)
Stock-based compensation expense	76,580	76,580			76,580
Repurchase of common stock, shares							(5,268,000)
Repurchase of common stock, value	(340,585)	(177,264)	(163,317)		(340,585)		$ (4)
Cash dividends declared and paid on common stock	(77,496)		(77,496)		(77,496)
Class A common stock issued under employee stock plans, shares							2,514,000
Class A common stock issued under employee stock plans, value	57,346	57,345			57,346		$ 1
Shares repurchased for tax witholdings on vesting of restricted stock, shares							345,000
Shares repurchased for tax witholdings on vesting of restricted stock, value	(22,788)	(22,788)			(22,788)
Transfer of Class B common stock to Class A common stock, shares							(3,031,000)	3,031,000
Ending balance, shares at Sep. 27, 2019							63,911,000	36,230,000
Ending balance, value at Sep. 27, 2019	2,313,030	0	2,327,877	(20,625)	2,307,351	5,679	$ 58	$ 41
Net income	231,619		231,363		231,363	256
Translation adjustments, net of taxes	7,552			10,031	10,031	110
Other comprehensive (loss), net of tax	10,141
Distributions to controlling interest	(283)					(283)
Stock-based compensation expense	$ 86,628	86,628			86,628
Repurchase of common stock, shares	(2,564,559)						(2,564,000)
Repurchase of common stock, value	$ (173,742)	(146,218)	(27,521)		(173,742)		$ (3)
Cash dividends declared and paid on common stock	(88,581)		(88,581)		(88,581)
Class A common stock issued under employee stock plans, shares							3,063,000
Class A common stock issued under employee stock plans, value	82,658	82,655			82,658		$ 3
Shares repurchased for tax witholdings on vesting of restricted stock, shares							343,000
Shares repurchased for tax witholdings on vesting of restricted stock, value	(23,065)	(23,065)			(23,065)
Transfer of Class B common stock to Class A common stock, shares							(101,000)	101,000
Ending balance, shares at Sep. 25, 2020							64,168,000	36,129,000
Ending balance, value at Sep. 25, 2020	$ 2,438,405	$ 0	$ 2,443,138	$ (10,594)	$ 2,432,643	$ 5,762	$ 58	$ 41

Consolidated Statements Of St_2

Consolidated Statements Of Stockholders' Equity And Comprehensive Income (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 25, 2020	Sep. 27, 2019	Sep. 28, 2018
Statement of Stockholders' Equity [Abstract]
Currency translation tax	$ 22	$ (439)	$ 106
Unrealized gains/(losses) on investments,tax	$ (926)	$ 58	$ 89

Consolidated Statements Of Cash

Consolidated Statements Of Cash Flows - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 25, 2020	Sep. 27, 2019	Sep. 28, 2018
Operating activities:
Net income including controlling interest	$ 231,619	$ 255,505	$ 42,305
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	90,878	85,123	81,283
Stock-based compensation	86,628	76,580	71,249
Amortization of premium on investments	800	358	2,473
Provision for doubtful accounts	7,689	4,523	2,413
Deferred income taxes	(5,274)	(40,191)	61,059
Restructuring charge for exit of leased facility	1,640	33,251	0
Other non-cash items affecting net income	10,920	6,952	7,570
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable	1,251	(27,492)	100,129
Contract assets	34,297	(29,708)	(2,502)
Inventories	(11,784)	(16,098)	(6,602)
Operating lease right-of-use assets	(13,516)	0	0
Prepaid expenses and other assets	(5,680)	(6,200)	(52,485)
Accounts payable and other liabilities	(45,185)	169	(29,019)
Income taxes, net	(50,586)	(2,186)	39,738
Contract liabilities	(4,621)	1,084	(59)
Operating lease liabilities	15,618	0	0
Other non-current liabilities	(845)	(13,996)	34,650
Net cash provided by operating activities	343,849	327,674	352,202
Investing activities:
Purchases of investment securities	(287,777)	(265,361)	(174,195)
Proceeds from sales of investment securities	244,517	200,636	123,058
Proceeds from maturities of available-for-sale securities	246,621	136,951	237,432
Purchases of property, plant and equipment	(66,347)	(96,281)	(72,814)
Acquisitions, net of cash acquired	0	(14,919)	(22,852)
Purchase of intangible assets	(2,640)	(17,255)	(12,543)
Net cash provided by/(used in) investing activities	134,374	(56,229)	78,086
Financing activities:
Proceeds from issuance of common stock	82,658	57,346	106,162
Repurchase of common stock	(173,742)	(340,585)	(150,470)
Payment of cash dividend	(88,581)	(77,496)	(66,155)
Distribution to controlling interest	(283)	(1,015)	(1,022)
Shares repurchased for tax withholdings on vesting of restricted stock	(23,065)	(22,788)	(22,144)
Payment related to prior purchases of intangible assets	(91)	0	0
Payments for Deferred Consideration	4,671	743	0
Net cash used in financing activities	(207,775)	(385,281)	(133,629)
Effect of foreign exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	3,938	(5,821)	(5,777)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	797,210
Cash, Cash Equivalents, Restricted Cash and Restricted Cash Equivalents	1,079,979	805,593	925,250
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	1,071,876	797,210
Supplemental disclosure:
Cash paid for income taxes, net of refunds received	52,869	59,722	60,875
Non-cash investing activities:
Change in property, plant, and equipment purchased, unpaid at period-end	(3,417)	(324)	7,990
Purchase consideration payable for acquisition	0	1,700	3,750
Purchase consideration payable for intangibles	260	1,881	200
Net Increase (Decrease) in Cash, Cash Equivalents, and Restricted Cash	$ 274,386	$ (119,657)	$ 290,882

Basis Of Presentation

Basis Of Presentation	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 25, 2020
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Basis of Presentation	. Basis of Presentation Principles of Consolidation The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Dolby Laboratories, Inc. and our wholly owned subsidiaries. In addition, we have consolidated the financial results of jointly owned affiliated companies in which our principal stockholder has a controlling interest. We report these controlling interests as a separate line in our consolidated statements of operations as net income attributable to controlling interest and in our consolidated balance sheets as a controlling interest. We eliminate all intercompany accounts and transactions upon consolidation. Use of Estimates The preparation of our financial statements in accordance with U.S. GAAP requires management to make certain estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported and disclosed in our consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. Significant items subject to such estimates and assumptions include estimated shipments by our licensees for which we are owed a sales–based royalty. These estimates involve the use of historical data and judgment for several key attributes including industry estimates of expected shipments, the percentage of markets using our technologies, and average sale prices. Our estimates of royalty-based revenue also take into consideration the macroeconomic effect of global events, such as the COVID-19 pandemic or other natural disasters which may impact our licensees' supply chain activities as well as demand for shipments. Additional significant items subject to such estimates and assumptions include estimated selling prices for performance obligations within revenue arrangements; valuation allowances for accounts receivable; carrying values of inventories and certain property, plant, and equipment, goodwill and intangible assets; fair values of investments; accrued liabilities including liabilities for unrecognized tax benefits, deferred income tax assets and liabilities, and stock-based compensation. Actual results could differ from our estimates. Fiscal Year Our fiscal year is a 52 or 53 week period ending on the last Friday in September. The fiscal years presented herein include the 52 week periods ended September 25, 2020 (fiscal 2020), September 27, 2019 (fiscal 2019), and September 28, 2018 (fiscal 2018). Reclassifications We have reclassified certain prior period amounts within our consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes to conform to our current period presentation. These reclassifications did not affect total revenue, operating income, operating cash flows or net income.

Summary Of Significant Accounti

Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 25, 2020
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Concentration of Credit Risk Our financial instruments that are exposed to concentrations of credit risk principally consist of cash, cash equivalents, investments, and accounts receivable. Our investment portfolio consists of investment grade securities diversified amongst security types, industries, and issuers. All our securities are held in custody by a recognized financial institution. Our policy limits the amount of credit exposure to a maximum of 5% to any one issuer, except for the U.S. Treasury, and we believe no significant concentration risk exists with respect to these investments. We also mitigate counterparty risk through entering into derivative contracts with high-credit-quality financial institutions. The majority of our licensing revenue is generated from customers outside of the U.S. We manage this risk by performing regular evaluations of the creditworthiness of our licensing customers. In fiscal 2020, 2019, and 2018, we did not have any individual customers whose revenue exceeded 10% of our total revenue. Cash and Cash Equivalents We consider all short-term highly liquid investments with original maturities of 90 days or less from the date of purchase to be cash equivalents. Cash and cash equivalents primarily consist of funds held in general checking accounts, money market accounts, commercial paper, and government bonds. Restricted Cash Restricted cash on our consolidated balance sheets consists of cash contributed by Dolby and third-party licensors to Via Licensing Corporation, our wholly-owned subsidiary, that may only be used for licensor enforcement actions or licensee compliance activities related to certain Via-administered patent pools, as well as to disperse costs associated with any audit of Via Licensing Corporation for the Wideband Code Division Multiple Access (W-CDMA) patent pool. Investments All of our investments are classified as available-for-sale securities, with the exception of our mutual fund investments held in our supplemental retirement plan, which are classified as trading securities. Investments that have an original maturity of 91 days or more at the date of purchase and a current maturity of less than one year are classified as short-term investments, while investments with a current maturity of more than one year are classified as long-term investments. Our investments are recorded at fair value in our consolidated balance sheets. Unrealized gains and losses on our AFS securities are reported as a component of AOCI, while realized gains and losses, other-than-temporary impairments, and credit losses are reported as a component of net income. Upon sale, gains and losses are reclassified from AOCI into earnings, and are determined based on specific identification of securities sold. We evaluate our investment portfolio for credit losses and other-than-temporary impairments by comparing the fair value with the cost basis for each of our investment securities. An investment is impaired if the fair value is less than its cost basis. If any portion of the impairment is deemed to be the result of a credit loss, the credit loss portion of the impairment is included as a component of net income. If we deem it probable that we will not recover the full cost basis of the security, the security is other-than-temporarily impaired, and the impairment loss is recognized as a component of net income. Allowance for Doubtful Accounts We maintain a provision for estimated losses on receivables resulting from our customers' inability to make required payments. In determining the provision, we evaluate the collectability of our accounts receivable based upon a variety of factors. In cases where we are aware of circumstances that may impair a specific customer’s ability to meet its financial obligations, we record a specific allowance against amounts due, and thereby reduce the net recognized receivable to the amount reasonably believed to be collectible. For all other customers, we recognize allowances for doubtful accounts based on our actual historical write-off experience in conjunction with the length of time the receivables are past due, geographic risk and the current business environment. Actual future losses from uncollectible accounts may differ from our estimates. Inventories Inventories are accounted for using the first-in, first-out method, and are valued at the lower of cost and net realizable value. We evaluate our ending inventories for estimated excess quantities and obsolescence. Our evaluation includes the analysis of future sales demand by product within specific time horizons. Inventories in excess of projected future demand are written down to their net realizable value. In addition, we assess the impact of changing technology on our inventory balances and write-off inventories that are considered obsolete. Write-downs and write-offs of inventory are recorded as a cost of products in our consolidated statements of operations. We classify inventory that we do not expect to sell within twelve months as other non-current assets in our consolidated balance sheets. Property, Plant, and Equipment PP&E is stated at cost less accumulated depreciation. Depreciation expense is recognized on a straight-line basis according to estimated useful lives assigned to each of our different categories of PP&E as summarized within the following table: PP&E Category Useful Life Computer equipment and software 3 to 5 years Machinery and equipment 3 to 8 years Furniture and fixtures 5 to 8 years Leasehold improvements Lesser of useful life or related lease term Equipment provided under operating leases 15 years Buildings and building improvements 20 to 40 years We capitalize certain costs incurred during the construction phase of a project or asset into construction-in-progress until the construction process is complete. Once the related asset is placed into service, we transfer its carrying value into the appropriate fixed asset category and begin depreciating the value over its useful life. Equipment Provided Under Operating Leases. In arrangements that we assess as operating leases, we recognize our cinema equipment installed at third party sites as a fixed asset and depreciate the asset on a straight-line basis. Internal Use Software. We account for the costs of computer software developed for internal use by capitalizing costs of materials and external consultants. These costs are included in PP&E, net of accumulated amortization in our consolidated balance sheets. Our capitalized internal use software costs are typically amortized on a straight-line basis over estimated useful lives of three Goodwill, Intangible Assets, and Long-Lived Assets We test goodwill for impairment annually during our third fiscal quarter and whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may be impaired. We perform a qualitative assessment as a determinant for whether the two-step annual goodwill impairment test should be performed. For fiscal 2020, we completed our annual goodwill impairment assessment in the fiscal quarter ended June 26, 2020. We determined in our qualitative review that it is more likely than not that the fair value of our reporting unit is substantially in excess of the respective carrying amount. Accordingly, there was no impairment, and the two-step goodwill impairment test was not required. We did not incur any goodwill impairment losses in any of the periods presented. Intangible assets are stated at their original cost less accumulated amortization, and those with definite lives are amortized over their estimated useful lives. Our intangible assets principally consist of acquired technology, patents, trademarks, customer relationships and contracts, the majority of which are amortized on a straight-line basis over their useful lives using a range from three We review long-lived assets, including intangible assets, for impairment whenever events or a change in circumstances indicate an asset’s carrying value may not be recoverable. Recoverability of an asset is measured by comparing its carrying value to the total future undiscounted cash flows that the asset is expected to generate. If it is determined that an asset is not recoverable, an impairment loss is recorded in the amount by which the carrying value of the asset exceeds its estimated fair value. Revenue Recognition We enter into revenue arrangements with our customers to license technologies, trademarks and patents for sound, imaging and voice solutions, and to sell products and services. We recognize revenue when we satisfy a performance obligation by transferring control over the use of a license, product, or service to a customer. For additional financial information and a summary our accounting policy, refer to Note 3. "Revenue Recognition" to our consolidated financial statements. Cost of Revenue Cost of licensing. Cost of licensing primarily consists of amortization expenses associated with purchased intangible assets and intangible assets acquired in business combinations. Cost of licensing also includes IP royalty obligations to third parties, depreciation of our Dolby Cinema equipment provided under operating leases in collaborative arrangements, and direct fees incurred. Cost of products and services. Cost of products primarily consists of the cost of materials related to products sold, applied labor, and manufacturing overhead. Our cost of products also includes third party royalty obligations paid to license IP that we include in our products. Cost of services primarily consists of the personnel and personnel-related costs of employees performing our professional services, and those of outside consultants, and reimbursable expenses incurred on behalf of customers. Stock-Based Compensation We measure expenses associated with all employee stock-based compensation awards using a fair-value method and record such expense in our consolidated financial statements on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period. Advertising and Promotional Costs Advertising and promotional costs are charged to S&M expense as incurred. Our advertising and promotional costs were as follows (in thousands): Fiscal Year Ended September 25, September 27, September 28, Advertising and promotional costs $ 61,125 $ 49,118 $ 49,519 Foreign Currency Activities Foreign Currency Translation. We maintain business operations in foreign countries. We translate the assets and liabilities of our international subsidiaries, the majority of which are denominated in non-U.S. dollar functional currencies, into U.S. dollars using exchange rates in effect at the end of each period. Revenues and expenses of these subsidiaries are translated using the average rates for the period. Gains and losses from these translations are included in AOCI within stockholders’ equity. Foreign Currency Transactions. Certain of our foreign subsidiaries transact in currencies other than their functional currency. Therefore, we re-measure non-functional currency assets and liabilities of these subsidiaries using exchange rates at the end of each period. As a result, we recognize foreign currency transaction and re-measurement gains and losses, which are recorded within other income, net in our consolidated statements of operations. These losses were as follows (in thousands): Fiscal Year Ended September 25, September 27, September 28, Foreign currency transaction (losses) $ (1,361) $ (260) $ (823) Non-designated Hedges. In an effort to reduce the risk that our earnings will be adversely affected by foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations, we enter into foreign currency forward contracts exclusively to hedge against assets and liabilities for which we have foreign currency exchange rate exposure. These derivative instruments are carried at fair value with changes in the fair value recorded to other income/(expense), net, in our consolidated statements of operations. While not designated as hedging instruments, these foreign currency forward contracts are used to reduce the exchange rate risk associated primarily with intercompany receivables and payables. These contracts do not subject us to material balance sheet risk due to exchange rate movements as gains and losses on these derivatives are intended to offset gains and losses on the related receivables and payables for which we have foreign currency exchange rate exposure. As of September 25, 2020 and September 27, 2019, the outstanding derivative instruments had maturities of equal to or less than 31 days and 31 days, respectively, and the total notional amounts of outstanding contracts were $26.8 million and $22.0 million, respectively. The fair values of these contracts were nominal as of September 25, 2020 and September 27, 2019, and were included within prepaid expenses and other current assets and within accrued liabilities in our consolidated balance sheets. Cash Flow Hedges. We also enter into forward currency contracts exclusively designated as cash flow hedges, which have a maturity of thirteen months or less, to reduce the impact of currency volatility on U.S. dollar operating expenses and margins. Our cash flow hedge program was entered into in fiscal 2019. The gains and losses from the effective portions of cash flow hedges are recorded at fair value as a component of AOCI, until the hedged item is subsequently reclassified into earnings in the same period in which the hedged transaction affects earnings, with the corresponding hedged item. Amounts reclassified are recorded to the same line item in the consolidated statements of operations as the impact of the hedge transaction, concurrently with the hedged costs. The pre-tax gain attributed to the effective portion of cash flow hedges recognized in AOCI was $5.3 million in fiscal 2020, and was immaterial in fiscal 2019. The pre-tax effective portion of gains or losses reclassified to the consolidated statements of income was not material during fiscal 2020 and fiscal 2019. Income Taxes We use the asset and liability method, under which deferred income tax assets and liabilities are determined based upon the difference between the financial statement carrying amounts and the tax bases of assets and liabilities, and NOL carryforwards are measured using the enacted tax rate expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which the differences are expected to be reversed. In assessing the realizability of deferred tax assets, we consider whether it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. The realization of deferred tax assets is additionally dependent upon the generation of future taxable income during the periods in which those temporary differences become deductible. We consider the scheduled reversal of deferred tax liabilities and projected future taxable income in making this assessment, and we record a valuation allowance to reduce our deferred tax assets when it's more-likely-than-not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. We record an unrecognized tax benefit from an uncertain tax position only if it is more likely than not that the tax position will be sustained upon examination by the tax authorities. We include interest and penalties related to gross unrecognized tax benefits within our provision for income taxes. To the extent accrued interest and penalties do not ultimately become payable, amounts accrued are reversed in the period that such determination is made and are reflected as a reduction of the overall income tax provision. Repatriation of Undistributed Foreign Earnings. The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 ("the Tax Act"), provides an exemption from federal income taxes for distributions by foreign subsidiaries made after December 31, 2017 that were not subject to the transition tax. Therefore, we have provided for U.S. state income taxes and foreign withholding taxes on undistributed earnings of certain foreign subsidiaries to the extent such earnings are no longer considered to be indefinitely reinvested in the operations of those subsidiaries. We consider the earnings of certain foreign subsidiaries to be indefinitely reinvested outside the U.S. on the basis of estimates that future domestic cash generation will be sufficient to meet future domestic cash needs, and our specific plans for reinvestment of those subsidiary earnings. Recently Issued Accounting Standards We continually assess any ASUs or other new accounting pronouncements issued by the FASB to determine their applicability and impact on us. Where it is determined that a new accounting pronouncement will result in a change to our financial reporting, we take the appropriate steps to ensure that such changes are properly reflected in our consolidated financial statements or notes thereto. Adopted Standards Leases. In the first quarter of fiscal 2020, we adopted ASU 2016-02, Leases (ASC 842 ) along with all subsequent applicable ASU clarifications and improvements , which requires lessees to recognize leases on balance sheet and disclose key information about leasing arrangements. We adopted ASC 842 using the modified retrospective transition method and used the effective date as the date of initial application. Consequently, financial information is not updated and the disclosures required under ASC 842 are not provided for dates and periods prior to implementation. ASC 842 provides a number of optional practical expedients in transition. We elected the “package of practical expedients,” which permits us not to reassess under ASC 842 our prior conclusions about lease identification, lease classification and initial direct costs. In addition, we account for lease and non-lease components as a single lease component. Operating leases are included in operating lease right-of-use assets and in current and non-current operating lease liabilities on our consolidated balance sheets. As a lessee, the adoption of ASC 842 resulted in the recording of Operating lease right-of-use ("ROU") assets and Operating lease liabilities of $62.1 million and $64.6 million, respectively, as of September 28, 2019. The difference between the operating lease assets and liabilities was recorded as an adjustment to Other non-current liabilities, primarily related to deferred rent and other lease incentives. As a lessor, the adoption of ASC 842 did not have a material impact. The adoption of ASC 842 did not impact Retained Earnings. Income Taxes: Comprehensive Income. In the first quarter of fiscal 2020, we adopted ASU 2018-02, Income Statement - Reporting Comprehensive Income (Topic 220): Reclassification of Certain Tax Effects From Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, which allows a reclassification from accumulated other comprehensive income to retained earnings for stranded tax effects resulting from the Tax Act. We elected to not reclassify the stranded tax effects to retained earnings as they were not material to Dolby's consolidated financial statements. Standards Not Yet Adopted Collaborative Arrangements. In November 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-18, Collaborative Arrangements (Topic 808): Clarifying the Interaction between Topic 808 and Topic 606 , which clarifies that certain transactions between participants in a collaborative arrangement should be accounted for under ASC 606 when the counterparty is a customer. In addition, ASU 2018-18 precludes an entity from presenting consideration from a transaction in a collaborative arrangement as revenue from contracts with customers if the counterparty is not a customer for that transaction. This standard will be effective for Dolby beginning September 26, 2020. While we have a number of collaborative arrangements, we do not believe that this standard will have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements. Financial Instruments. In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-13, Financial Instruments (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments , which modifies the measurement of expected credit losses of certain financial instruments, including trade receivables, contract assets, and lease receivables. This standard will be effective for Dolby beginning September 26, 2020. We do not believe that this standard will have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements. Income Taxes. In December 2019, the FASB issued ASU 2019-12, Income Taxes (Topic 740): Simplifying the Accounting for Income Taxes

Revenue Recognition

Revenue Recognition	3 Months Ended
	Sep. 25, 2020
Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract]
Revenue Recognition	Revenue Recognition We enter into revenue arrangements with our customers to license technologies, trademarks and patents for sound, imaging and voice solutions, and to sell products and services. We recognize revenue when we satisfy a performance obligation by transferring control over the use of a license, product, or service to a customer. A. Identification of the Contract or Contracts with Customers We generally determine that a contract with a customer exists upon the execution of an agreement and after consideration of collectability, which could include an evaluation of the customer's payment history, the existence of a standby letter-of-credit between the customer’s financial institution and our financial institution, public financial information, and other factors. At contract inception, we also evaluate whether two or more non-standard agreements with a customer should be combined and accounted for as a single contract. B. Identification of Performance Obligations in a Contract We generate revenues principally from the following sources, which represent performance obligations in our contracts with customers: • Licensing. We license our technologies, including patents, to a range of customers who incorporate them into their products for enhanced audio, imaging and voice functionality across broadcast, mobile, CE, PC, gaming, and other markets. • Product Sales. We design and provide audio and imaging products for the cinema, television, broadcast, communications, and entertainment industries. • Services. We provide various services to support theatrical and television production for cinema exhibition, broadcast, and home entertainment, including equipment training, mixing room alignment, equalization, as well as audio, color and light image calibration. • PCS. We provide PCS for products sold and for equipment leased, and we support the implementation of our licensing technologies in our licensees’ products. • Equipment Leases. We collaborate with established cinema exhibitors to offer Dolby Cinema, a branded premium cinema offering for movie audiences by leasing equipment and licensing our intellectual property. We also lease hardware that facilitates the Dolby conferencing experience, including the Dolby Conference Phone, and the Dolby Voice Room solution. • Licensing Administration Fees. We generate service fees for managing patent pools on behalf of third party patent owners through our wholly-owned subsidiary, Via Licensing Corporation. Some of our revenue arrangements include multiple performance obligations, such as hardware, software, support and maintenance, and extended warranty services. We evaluate whether promised products and services are distinct performance obligations. The majority of our arrangements with multiple performance obligations pertain to our digital cinema server and processor sales that include the following distinct performance obligations to which we allocate portions of the transaction price based on their stand-alone selling price: • Digital cinema server hardware and embedded software, which is highly dependent on and highly interrelated with the hardware. Accordingly, the hardware and embedded software represent a single performance obligation. • The right to support and maintenance, which is included with the purchase of the digital cinema server hardware, is a distinct performance obligation. • The right to receive commissioning services is a distinct performance obligation within the sale of the Dolby Atmos Cinema Processor. These services consist of the review of venue designs specifying proposed speaker placement as well as calibration services performed for installed speakers to ensure optimal playback. C. Determination of Transaction Price for Performance Obligations in a Contract After identifying the distinct performance obligations, we determine the transaction price in accordance with the terms of the underlying executed contract which may include variable consideration such as discounts, rebates, refunds, rights of returns, and incentives. We assess and update, if necessary, the amount of variable consideration to which we are entitled for each reporting period. At the end of each reporting period, we estimate and accrue a liability for returns and adjustments as a reduction to revenue based on several factors, including past returns history. With the exception of our sales-based royalties, we evaluate whether a significant financing component exists when we recognize revenue in advance of customer payments that occur over time. For example, some of our licensing arrangements include payment terms greater than one year from when we transfer control of our IP to a licensee and the receipt of the final payment for that IP. If a significant financing component exists, we classify a portion of the transaction price as interest income, instead of recognizing all of the transaction price as revenue. We do not adjust the transaction price for the effects of financing if, at contract inception, the period between the transfer of control to a customer and final payment is expected to be one year or less. D. Allocation of Transaction Price to Distinct Performance Obligations in a Contract For our sales-based royalties where the license is the predominant item to which the royalties relate, we present all revenues as licensing. For revenue arrangements that include multiple performance obligations, we determine the stand-alone selling price for each distinct performance obligation based on the actual selling prices made to customers. If the performance obligation is not sold separately, we estimate the stand-alone selling price. We do so by considering market conditions such as competitor pricing strategies, customer specific information and industry technology lifecycles, internal conditions such as cost and pricing practices, or applying the residual approach method when the selling price of the good, most commonly a license, is highly variable or uncertain. Once the transaction price - including any variable consideration - has been determined, we allocate the transaction price to the performance obligations identified in the contract and recognize revenue as or when control is transferred for each distinct performance obligation. E. Revenue Recognition as Control is Transferred to a Customer We generate our licensing revenue by licensing our technologies and patents to various types of licensees, such as chip manufacturers ("implementation licensees"), consumer product manufacturers, software vendors, and communications service providers. Our revenue recognition policies for each of these arrangements are summarized below. Initial fees from implementation licensees. Implementation licensees incorporate our technologies into their chipsets that, once approved by Dolby, are available for purchase by OEMs for use in end-user products. Implementation licensees only pay us a nominal initial fee on contract execution as consideration for the ongoing services that we provide to assist in their implementation process. Revenues from these initial fees are recognized ratably over the contractual term as a component of licensing revenue. Sales-based licensing fees. In our royalty bearing licensing agreements with OEMs, control is transferred upon the later of contract execution or the contract’s effective date. We apply the royalty exception, which requires that we recognize sales-based royalties when the sales occur based on our estimates. These estimates involve the use of historical data and judgment for several key attributes including industry estimates of expected shipments, the percentage of markets using our technologies, and average sale prices. Generally, our estimates represent the current period’s shipments to which we expect our licensees to submit royalty statements in the following quarter. Upon receipt of royalty statements from the licensees with the actual reporting of sales-based royalties that we estimated previously, we record a favorable or unfavorable adjustment based on the difference, if any, between estimated and actual sales. In the first quarter of fiscal 2020, we recorded a favorable adjustment of approximately $9 million, which was primarily related to shipments that occurred in our fourth quarter of fiscal 2019 (July through September) and largely based on actual royalty statements received from licensees. In the second, third, and fourth quarters of fiscal 2020 we recorded favorable adjustments of $7 million, $11 million, and $26 million, respectively, each primarily related to shipments that occurred in the preceding fiscal quarter, and largely based on actual royalty statements received from licensees. Fixed and guaranteed licensing fees. In certain cases, our arrangements require the licensee to pay fixed, non-refundable fees. In these cases, control is transferred, and fees are recognized upon the later of contract execution or the effective date. Additionally, and separate from initial fees from implementation licensees, our sales- and usage-based licensing agreements include a nominal fee, which is also recognized at a point in time in which control of the IP has been transferred. Revenues from these arrangements are included as a component of licensing revenue. Recoveries. Through compliance efforts, we identify under-reported licensed activity related to non-current periods. We may record a favorable or unfavorable revenue adjustment in connection with the findings from these compliance efforts generally upon resolution with the licensee through agreement of the findings, or upon receipt of the licensee’s correction statement. Revenues from these arrangements are included as a component of licensing revenue. We undertake activities aimed at identifying potential unauthorized uses of our technologies, which when successful result in the recognition of revenue. Recoveries stem from third parties who agree to remit payments to us based on past use of our technology. In these scenarios, a legally binding contract did not exist at time of use of our technology, and therefore, we recognize revenue recoveries upon execution of the agreement as that is the point in time to which a contract exists and control is transferred. These revenues are classified as licensing revenue. In general, we classify legal costs associated with activities aimed at identifying potential unauthorized uses of our technologies, auditing existing licensees, and on occasion, pursuing litigation as S&M in our consolidated statements of operations. We recognize licensing revenue gross of withholding taxes, which our licensees remit directly to their local tax authorities, and for which we receive a partial foreign tax credit in our income tax provision. In addition to our licensing arrangements, we also enter into arrangements to deliver products and services. Product Sales. Revenue from the sale of products is recognized when the customer obtains control of the promised good or service, which is generally upon shipment. Payments are generally made within 90 days of sale. Services. We provide various services, such as engineering services related to movie soundtrack print mastering, equipment training and maintenance, mixing room alignment, equalization, and image calibration, which we bill on a fixed fee and time and materials basis. Most of these services are of a short duration and are recognized as control of the performance obligations are transferred which is when the related services are performed. Collaborative Arrangements. We collaborate with established cinema exhibitors to offer Dolby Cinema, a branded premium cinema offering for movie audiences. Under such collaborations, Dolby and the exhibitor are both active participants, and share the risks and rewards associated with the business. Accordingly, these collaborations are governed by revenue sharing arrangements under which Dolby receives revenue based on box office receipts, reported to Dolby by exhibitor partners on a monthly or quarterly basis, our proprietary designs and trademarks as well as for the use of our equipment at the exhibitor’s venue. The use of our product solution meets the definition of a lease, and for the related portion of Dolby's share of revenue, we apply ASC 842, Leases , and recognize revenue based on monthly box office reports from exhibitors. Our revenue share is recognized as licensing revenue in our consolidated statements of operations. In addition, we also enter into hybrid agreements where a portion involves guaranteed payments, which in some cases result in classifying the arrangement as a sales-type lease. In such arrangements, we consider control to transfer at the point in time to which we have installed and tested the equipment, at which point we record such guaranteed payments as product revenue. Via Administration Fee. We generate service fees for managing patent pools on behalf of third party patent owners through our wholly-owned subsidiary, Via Licensing Corporation. As an agent to licensors in the patent pool, Via receives a share of the sales-based royalty that the patent pool licensors earn from licensees. As such, we apply the sales-based royalty exception as the service provided is directly related to the patent pool licensors’ provision of IP, which results in recognition based on estimates of the licensee’s quarter shipments that use the pool’s patents. In addition to sales-based royalties, Via also has contracts where the fees are fixed. The revenue share Via receives from licensors on fixed fee contracts is recognized over the term in which we are providing services associated with the fixed fee contract. We recognize our administrative fees net of the consideration paid to the patent licensors in the pool as licensing revenue. Deferred revenue, which is a component of contract liabilities, represents amounts that are ultimately expected to be recognized as revenue, but for which we have yet to satisfy the performance obligation. On September 25, 2020, we had $37.9 million of remaining performance obligations, 38% of which we expect to recognize as revenue in fiscal 2021, 22% in fiscal 2022, and the balance of 40% in fiscal years beyond 2022. F. Disaggregation of revenue The following table presents a summary of the composition of our revenue for all periods presented: Fiscal Year-To-Date Ended September 25, 2020 September 27, 2019 Revenue Licensing $ 1,078,577 93 % $ 1,107,280 89 % Products and services 83,215 7 % 134,340 11 % Total revenue $ 1,161,792 100 % $ 1,241,620 100 % The following table presents the composition of our licensing revenue for all periods presented: Fiscal Year-To-Date Ended September 25, 2020 September 27, 2019 Revenue By Market Broadcast $ 439,415 41 % $ 474,147 43 % Mobile 226,972 21 % 193,052 17 % CE 152,608 14 % 154,399 14 % PC 132,302 12 % 113,597 10 % Other 127,280 12 % 172,085 16 % Total licensing revenue $ 1,078,577 100 % $ 1,107,280 100 % We license our technologies in approximately 60 countries, and our licensees distribute products that incorporate our technologies throughout the world. As shown in the table below, we generate the majority of our revenue from outside the United States. Geographic data for our licensing revenue is based on the location of our licensees’ headquarters, products revenue is based on the destination to which we ship our products, and services revenue is based on the location where services are performed. Fiscal Year-To-Date Ended September 25, 2020 September 27, 2019 Revenue By Geographic Location United States $ 460,972 40 % $ 449,203 36 % International 700,820 60 % 792,417 64 % Total revenue $ 1,161,792 100 % $ 1,241,620 100 % G. Contract balances Our contract assets represent rights to consideration from licensees for the use of our IP that we have estimated in a given period in the absence of receiving actual royalty statements from licensees. These estimates reflect our best judgment at that time, and are developed using a number of inputs, including historical data, industry estimates of expected shipments, anticipated sales price and performance, and third-party data supporting the percentage of markets using our technologies. In the event that our estimates differ from actual amounts reported, we record an adjustment in the quarter in which the report is received which is typically the quarter following our estimate. Actual amounts reported are typically paid within sixty days following the end of the quarter of shipment. The main drivers for change in the contract assets account are variances in quarterly estimates, and to a lesser degree, timing of receipt of actual royalty statements. Our contract liabilities consist of advance payments and billings in advance of performance, deferred revenue that is typically satisfied within one year, and deferred interest where we have significant financing. The non-current portion of contract liabilities is separately disclosed in our consolidated balance sheets. We present the net contract asset or liability when we have both contract assets and contract liabilities for a single contract. In fiscal year 2020, we recognized $17.7 million from prior period deferred revenue. The following table presents a summary of the balances to which contract assets and liabilities related to revenue are recorded for all periods presented: September 25, 2020 September 27, 2019 Change ($) Change (%) Accounts receivable, net $ 180,340 $ 189,115 $ (8,775) (5) % Contract assets 161,357 195,651 (34,294) (18) % Contract liabilities - current 15,436 19,991 (4,555) (23) % Contract liabilities - non-current 24,342 24,404 (62) — %

Composition Of Certain Financia

Composition Of Certain Financial Statement Captions	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 25, 2020
Composition Of Certain Financial Statement Captions [Abstract]
Composition Of Certain Financial Statement Captions	Composition of Certain Financial Statement Captions The following tables present detailed information from our consolidated balance sheets as of September 25, 2020 and September 27, 2019 (amounts displayed in thousands). Accounts Receivable Accounts Receivable, Net September 25, September 27, Trade accounts receivable $ 147,618 $ 151,996 Accounts receivable from patent administration program licensees 48,630 46,894 Accounts receivable, gross 196,248 198,890 Less: allowance for doubtful accounts (15,908) (9,775) Total $ 180,340 $ 189,115 Accounts receivable, gross includes unbilled accounts receivable balances of $62.1 million and $82.3 million as of September 25, 2020 and September 27, 2019, respectively, related to amounts that are contractually owed. The unbilled balance represents our unconditional right to consideration related to fixed fee contracts which we are entitled to as a result of satisfying, or partially satisfying, performance obligations, as well as Via's unconditional right to consideration related to their patent administration programs. Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Beginning Balance Charged to Deductions Ending Balance For fiscal year ended: September 28, 2018 $ 2,967 $ 2,413 $ (122) $ 5,258 September 27, 2019 5,258 4,523 (6) 9,775 September 25, 2020 9,775 7,689 (1,556) 15,908 Inventories Inventories September 25, September 27, Raw materials $ 3,770 $ 8,031 Work in process 9,214 4,872 Finished goods 12,566 19,428 Total $ 25,550 $ 32,331 Inventories are stated at the lower of cost and net realizable value. Inventory with a consumption period expected to exceed twelve months is recorded within other non-current assets in our consolidated balance sheets. We have included $2.6 million and $3.0 million of raw materials inventory within other non-current assets in our consolidated balance sheets as of September 25, 2020 and September 27, 2019, respectively. Based on anticipated inventory consumption rates, and aside from existing write-downs due to excess inventory, we do not believe that material risk of obsolescence exists prior to ultimate sale. Prepaid Expenses And Other Current Assets Prepaid Expenses And Other Current Assets September 25, September 27, Prepaid expenses $ 17,884 $ 17,997 Other current assets 35,138 21,707 Total $ 53,022 $ 39,704 As of September 25, 2020, other current assets include the carrying value of $2.2 million of land and building that are currently held for sale. In fiscal year 2019, management committed to a plan to sell the property. There have been no changes to this plan in the current period. Based on current estimated selling prices in the market, we have determined that no indicators of potential impairment exist. Accrued Liabilities Accrued Liabilities September 25, September 27, Accrued royalties $ 901 $ 2,957 Amounts payable to patent administration program partners 60,427 58,899 Accrued compensation and benefits 89,684 78,716 Accrued professional fees 10,344 19,216 Unpaid PP&E additions 15,102 15,332 Accrued customer refunds 10,053 24,299 Other accrued liabilities 33,463 68,725 Total $ 219,974 $ 268,144 Other Non-Current Liabilities Other Non-Current Liabilities September 25, September 27, Supplemental retirement plan obligations $ 4,181 $ 3,466 Non-current tax liabilities (1) 85,943 136,323 Other liabilities 32,030 37,673 Total $ 122,154 $ 177,462 (1) Refer to Note 12 “ Income Taxes ” for additional information related to tax liabilities.

Fair Value Measurements

Fair Value Measurements	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 25, 2020
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Investments and Fair Value Measurements	Investments & Fair Value Measurements We use cash holdings to purchase investment grade securities diversified among security types, industries, and issuers. All of our investment securities are measured at fair value, and are recorded within cash equivalents and both short-term and long-term investments in our consolidated balance sheets. With the exception of our mutual fund investments held in our SERP and classified as trading securities, all of our investments are classified as AFS securities. Our investment securities primarily consist of government bonds, certificates of deposit, municipal debt securities, corporate bonds, U.S. agency securities, and commercial paper. In addition, our cash and cash equivalents also consist of highly-liquid money market funds. Consistent with our investment policy, none of our municipal debt investments are supported by letters of credit or standby purchase agreements. Our cash and investment portfolio consisted of the following (in thousands): September 25, Cost Unrealized Estimated Fair Value Gains Losses Total Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Cash and cash equivalents: Cash $ 856,740 $ — $ — $ 856,740 $ 856,740 $ — $ — Cash equivalents: Commercial paper 900 — — 900 — 900 — Money market funds 214,111 — — 214,111 214,111 — — Government bonds 125 — — 125 125 — — Cash and cash equivalents 1,071,876 — — 1,071,876 1,070,976 900 — Short-term investments: Certificate of deposit 2,277 1 — 2,278 — 2,278 — U.S. agency securities 999 12 — 1,011 — 1,011 — Government bonds 5,118 47 — 5,165 1,370 3,795 — Commercial paper 4,727 4 — 4,731 — 4,731 — Corporate bonds 18,754 87 (3) 18,838 — 18,838 — Municipal debt securities 14,828 97 — 14,925 — 14,925 — Short-term investments 46,703 248 (3) 46,948 1,370 45,578 — Long-term investments: U.S. agency securities 2,214 56 — 2,270 — 2,270 — Government bonds 5,137 80 — 5,217 1,633 3,584 — Corporate bonds 24,657 419 (7) 25,069 — 25,069 — Municipal debt securities 15,220 203 (6) 15,417 — 15,417 — Other long-term investments (1) 4,176 — — 4,176 — — — Long-term investments 51,404 758 (13) 52,149 1,633 46,340 — Total cash, cash equivalents, and investments $ 1,169,983 $ 1,006 $ (16) $ 1,170,973 $ 1,073,979 $ 92,818 $ — Investments held in supplemental retirement plan: Assets 4,279 — — 4,279 4,279 — — Included in prepaid expenses and other current assets & other non-current assets Liabilities 4,279 — — 4,279 4,279 — — Included in accrued liabilities & other non-current liabilities Currency derivatives as hedge instruments: Assets: Included in other current assets — 4,267 — 4,267 — 4,267 — Assets: included in other non-current assets — 369 — 369 — 369 — Liabilities: Included in other accrued expenses — — (79) (79) — (79) — (1) Other long-term investments as of September 25, 2020 is comprised of one equity method investment which is not carried at fair value of $4.2 million. September 27, Cost Unrealized Estimated Fair Value Gains Losses Total Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Cash and cash equivalents: Cash $ 680,287 $ — $ — $ 680,287 $ 680,287 $ — $ — Cash equivalents: Corporate bonds 1,000 — — 1,000 — 1,000 — Money market funds 115,270 — — 115,270 115,270 — — Government bonds 653 — — 653 653 — — Cash and cash equivalents 797,210 — — 797,210 796,210 1,000 — Short-term investments: Certificate of deposit 1,265 1 — 1,266 — 1,266 — U.S. agency securities 10,973 8 (9) 10,972 — 10,972 — Government bonds 8,381 11 (1) 8,391 5,784 2,607 — Commercial paper 6,347 9 — 6,356 — 6,356 — Corporate bonds 76,802 172 (34) 76,940 — 76,940 — Municipal debt securities 15,210 18 (7) 15,221 — 15,221 — Short-term investments 118,978 219 (51) 119,146 5,784 113,362 — Long-term investments: Asset backed securities 400 2 — 402 — 402 — U.S. agency securities 7,102 146 — 7,248 — 7,248 — Government bonds 23,563 187 — 23,750 19,670 4,080 — Corporate bonds 134,360 1,700 — 136,060 — 136,060 — Municipal debt securities 10,315 87 (6) 10,396 — 10,396 — Other long-term investments (1) 1,731 — — 1,731 — — — Long-term investments 177,471 2,122 (6) 179,587 19,670 158,186 — Total cash, cash equivalents, and investments $ 1,093,659 $ 2,341 $ (57) $ 1,095,943 $ 821,664 $ 272,548 $ — Investments held in supplemental retirement plan: Assets 3,564 — — 3,564 3,564 — — Included in prepaid expenses and other current assets & other non-current assets Liabilities 3,564 — — 3,564 3,564 — — Included in accrued liabilities & other non-current liabilities Currency derivatives as hedge instruments: Liabilities: Included in other accrued expenses — — (242) (242) — (242) — (1) Other long-term investments as of September 27, 2019 is comprised of one equity method investment which is not carried at fair value of $1.7 million. Fair Value Hierarchy. Fair value is the exchange price that would be received for an asset or paid to transfer a liability in the principal or most advantageous market for the asset or liability, in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. We minimize the use of unobservable inputs and use observable market data, if available, when determining fair value. We classify our inputs to measure fair value using the following three-level hierarchy: Level 1: Quoted prices in active markets at the measurement date for identical assets and liabilities. We base the fair value of our Level 1 financial instruments, which are traded in active markets, using quoted market prices for identical instruments. Level 2: Prices may be based upon quoted prices in active markets or inputs not quoted on active markets but are corroborated by market data. We obtain the fair value of our Level 2 financial instruments from a professional pricing service, which may use quoted market prices for identical or comparable instruments, or model driven valuations using observable market data or inputs corroborated by observable market data. To validate the fair value determination provided by our primary pricing service, we perform quality controls over values received which include comparing our pricing service provider’s assessment of the fair values of our investment securities against the fair values of our investment securities obtained from another independent source, reviewing the pricing movement in the context of overall market trends, and reviewing trading information from our investment managers. In addition, we assess the inputs and methods used in determining the fair value in order to determine the classification of securities in the fair value hierarchy. Level 3: Unobservable inputs are used when little or no market data is available and reflect management’s estimates of assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability. The following table describes the valuation techniques and inputs applicable to each class of security held within our investment portfolio as of September 25, 2020: Asset Type Primary Source Update Frequency Fair Value Methodology Secondary Source Level 1 Money Market Funds ICE (Intercontinental Exchange) Daily $1 per share Not Applicable U.S. Government Bonds ICE (Intercontinental Exchange) Daily Institutional Bond Quotes - evaluations based on various market and industry inputs Bloomberg Level 2 Certificates of Deposit ICE (Intercontinental Exchange) Monthly Market Prices Bloomberg Commercial Paper U.S. Bank Pricing Unit Daily Matrix Pricing Not Applicable Corporate Bonds ICE (Intercontinental Exchange) Daily Institutional Bond Quotes - evaluations based on various market and industry inputs Bloomberg Municipal Debt Securities ICE (Intercontinental Exchange) Daily Evaluations based on various market and industry inputs Bloomberg U.S. Agency Securities ICE (Intercontinental Exchange) Daily Institutional Bond Quotes - evaluations based on various market and industry inputs Bloomberg Int'l Government Bonds ICE (Intercontinental Exchange) Daily Evaluations based on various market factors Bloomberg Securities In Gross Unrealized Loss Position. We periodically evaluate our investments for other-than-temporary declines in fair value. The unrealized losses on our AFS securities were primarily the result of unfavorable changes in interest rates subsequent to the initial purchase of these securities. The following table presents the gross unrealized losses and fair value for those AFS securities that were in an unrealized loss position as of September 25, 2020 and September 27, 2019 (in thousands): September 25, 2020 September 27, 2019 Less Than 12 Months Greater Than 12 Months Less Than 12 Months Greater Than 12 Months Investment Type Fair Value Gross Unrealized Losses Fair Value Gross Unrealized Losses Fair Value Gross Unrealized Losses Fair Value Gross Unrealized Losses Certificate of deposit $ — $ — $ — $ — $ 300 $ — $ — $ — U.S. agency securities — — — — — — 4,787 (9) Government bonds — — — — 1,426 — — — Corporate bonds 7,076 (10) — — 7,647 (3) 27,078 (32) Municipal debt securities 2,505 (6) — — 9,552 (13) 900 — Total $ 9,581 $ (16) $ — $ — $ 18,925 $ (16) $ 32,765 $ (41) Although we had certain securities that were in an unrealized loss position as of September 25, 2020, we expect to recover the full carrying value of these securities as we do not intend to, nor do we currently anticipate a need to sell these securities prior to recovering the associated unrealized losses. As a result, we do not consider any portion of the unrealized losses at either September 25, 2020 or September 27, 2019 to represent an other-than-temporary impairment, nor do we consider any of the unrealized losses to be credit losses. Investment Maturities. The following table summarizes the amortized cost and estimated fair value of the AFS securities within our investment portfolio based on stated maturities as of September 25, 2020 and September 27, 2019, which are recorded within cash equivalents and both short and long-term investments in our consolidated balance sheets (in thousands): September 25, 2020 September 27, 2019 Range of maturity Amortized Cost Fair Value Amortized Cost Fair Value Due within 1 year $ 261,839 $ 262,085 $ 238,186 $ 238,354 Due in 1 to 2 years 29,328 29,814 93,948 94,899 Due in 2 to 3 years 17,900 18,159 81,793 82,957 Total $ 309,067 $ 310,058 $ 413,927 $ 416,210

Property, Plant & Equipment

Property, Plant & Equipment	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 25, 2020
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Property, Plant and Equipment	Property, Plant, & Equipment PP&E are recorded at cost, with depreciation expense included in cost of licensing, cost of products, cost of services, R&D, S&M, and G&A expenses in our consolidated statements of operations. Depreciation expense was $61.4 million, $55.5 million, and $54.8 million in fiscal 2020, 2019, and 2018, respectively. As of September 25, 2020 and September 27, 2019, PP&E consisted of the following (in thousands): Property, Plant, & Equipment September 25, September 27, Land $ 41,955 $ 41,918 Buildings and building improvements 283,617 282,924 Leasehold improvements 83,764 66,730 Machinery and equipment 126,942 128,525 Computer equipment and software 230,800 219,455 Furniture and fixtures 31,845 34,191 Equipment provided under operating leases 199,561 161,372 Construction-in-progress 19,545 19,616 Property, plant, and equipment, gross 1,018,029 954,731 Less: accumulated depreciation (476,066) (417,299) Property, plant, & equipment, net $ 541,963 $ 537,432

Leases

Leases	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 25, 2020
Leases [Abstract]
Leases	Leases As Lessee As a lessee, we enter into contracts to access and utilize office space, including those payable to our principal stockholder and portions attributable to the controlling interests in our wholly owned subsidiaries. We determine if a contract contains a lease based on whether we have the right to obtain substantially all of the economic benefits from the use of an identified asset and whether we have the right to direct the use of an identified asset in exchange for consideration, which relates to an asset which we do not own. Right of use assets represent our right to use an underlying asset for the lease term and lease liabilities represent our obligation to make lease payments arising from the lease. ROU assets are recognized as the lease liability, adjusted for lease incentives received. Lease liabilities are recognized at the present value of the future lease payments at the lease commencement date. The interest rate used to determine the present value of the future lease payments is our Incremental Borrowing Rate, because the interest rate implicit in our leases is not readily determinable. The IBR is a hypothetical rate based on our understanding of what our credit rating would be to borrow and resulting interest we would pay to borrow an amount equal to the lease payments in a similar economic environment over the lease term on a collateralized basis. Lease payments may be fixed or variable, however, only fixed payments are included in our lease liability calculation. Variable lease payments are recognized in operating expenses in the period in which the obligation for those payments are incurred. The lease term of operating leases vary from less than a year to 12 years. We have leases that include one or more options to extend the lease term for up to 9 years as well as options to terminate the lease within one year. Our lease terms may include options to extend or terminate the lease when it is reasonably certain that we will exercise such options. The components of lease expense were as follows (in thousands): September 25, 2020 Lease cost Operating lease cost $ 23,570 Variable lease cost 1,175 Total lease cost $ 24,745 Total rent expense incurred under operating leases, including the portion of total rent expense which is payable to our principal stockholder, was $20.6 million and $17.2 million in fiscal 2019 and 2018, respectively. Supplemental cash flow information related to leases was as follows (in thousands): September 25, 2020 Other information Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of operating lease liabilities $ 22,043 Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for operating lease obligations 34,198 Supplemental balance sheet information related to leases was as follows: September 25, 2020 Operating Leases Weighted-average remaining lease term 6.5 years Weighted-average discount rate 3.1 % The following tables presents the maturity analysis of lease liabilities (in thousands): September 25, 2020 Operating Leases Fiscal 2021 $ 18,098 Fiscal 2022 14,868 Fiscal 2023 13,299 Fiscal 2024 12,718 Fiscal 2025 8,898 Thereafter 22,484 Total undiscounted lease payments 90,365 Less: imputed interest (9,228) Total lease liabilities $ 81,137 September 27, 2019 Operating Leases Remainder of Fiscal 2020 $ 17,231 Fiscal 2021 9,329 Fiscal 2022 7,191 Fiscal 2023 6,218 Fiscal 2024 4,499 Thereafter 12,355 Total undiscounted lease payments $ 56,823 As Lessor As a lessor, we lease our Dolby Cinema product solution to exhibitors, Dolby Voice equipment to cloud conferencing service providers, and lease or sublease real estate properties. The terms of these leases vary from 4 to 10 years. Lease components consist of fixed payments and/or variable lease payments based on contracted percentages of revenue. Generally, leases do not grant any right to the lessee to purchase the underlying asset at the end of the lease term, with the exception of certain leases of Dolby Voice equipment for which the customer has the option to purchase the equipment at fair value. Dolby Cinema lease arrangements have options to extend the lease term at expiration by increments ranging from 1 to 5 years. Assets provided under an operating lease are carried at cost within property, plant and equipment and depreciated over the useful life of these asset using the straight-line method. Fixed operating lease payments are recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term to other income for our real estate property and to revenue for all other leases. Variable lease payments received under our Dolby Cinema operating leases are computed as shares of lessees' box office revenues and recognized to revenue in the period that box office sales occur. Lease incentive payments we make to lessees are amortized as a reduction in revenue over the lease term. For the year ended September 25, 2020, variable operating lease income was $10.4 million and fixed operating lease income was $3.7 million. If a lease is classified as a sales-type lease, the carrying amount of the asset is derecognized from property, plant and equipment and a net investment in the lease is recorded. The net investment in the lease is measured at commencement date as the sum of the lease receivable and the estimated residual value of the equipment. The unguaranteed residual value of the equipment was determined as the estimated carrying value of the asset at the end of the lease term had the asset been depreciated on a straight-line basis. At September 25, 2020, the unguaranteed residual value of sales-type leases was $0.7 million. Selling profit or loss arising from a sales-type lease is recorded at lease commencement and presented on a gross basis. Over the term of the lease, we recognize interest income on the net investment in the lease and any variable lease payments, which is not material and not included in the net investment in the lease. The following table presents the maturity analysis of fixed lease payments due to Dolby (in thousands): September 25, 2020 Operating Leases Sales-Type Leases Fiscal 2021 $ 3,361 $ 1,605 Fiscal 2022 3,393 1,605 Fiscal 2023 3,354 1,603 Fiscal 2024 1,821 796 Fiscal 2025 78 395 Thereafter 346 395 Total undiscounted cash flows 12,353 6,399 Less: present value of lease payments (recognized as lease receivables) (4,821) Difference $ 1,578
Leases	Leases As Lessee As a lessee, we enter into contracts to access and utilize office space, including those payable to our principal stockholder and portions attributable to the controlling interests in our wholly owned subsidiaries. We determine if a contract contains a lease based on whether we have the right to obtain substantially all of the economic benefits from the use of an identified asset and whether we have the right to direct the use of an identified asset in exchange for consideration, which relates to an asset which we do not own. Right of use assets represent our right to use an underlying asset for the lease term and lease liabilities represent our obligation to make lease payments arising from the lease. ROU assets are recognized as the lease liability, adjusted for lease incentives received. Lease liabilities are recognized at the present value of the future lease payments at the lease commencement date. The interest rate used to determine the present value of the future lease payments is our Incremental Borrowing Rate, because the interest rate implicit in our leases is not readily determinable. The IBR is a hypothetical rate based on our understanding of what our credit rating would be to borrow and resulting interest we would pay to borrow an amount equal to the lease payments in a similar economic environment over the lease term on a collateralized basis. Lease payments may be fixed or variable, however, only fixed payments are included in our lease liability calculation. Variable lease payments are recognized in operating expenses in the period in which the obligation for those payments are incurred. The lease term of operating leases vary from less than a year to 12 years. We have leases that include one or more options to extend the lease term for up to 9 years as well as options to terminate the lease within one year. Our lease terms may include options to extend or terminate the lease when it is reasonably certain that we will exercise such options. The components of lease expense were as follows (in thousands): September 25, 2020 Lease cost Operating lease cost $ 23,570 Variable lease cost 1,175 Total lease cost $ 24,745 Total rent expense incurred under operating leases, including the portion of total rent expense which is payable to our principal stockholder, was $20.6 million and $17.2 million in fiscal 2019 and 2018, respectively. Supplemental cash flow information related to leases was as follows (in thousands): September 25, 2020 Other information Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of operating lease liabilities $ 22,043 Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for operating lease obligations 34,198 Supplemental balance sheet information related to leases was as follows: September 25, 2020 Operating Leases Weighted-average remaining lease term 6.5 years Weighted-average discount rate 3.1 % The following tables presents the maturity analysis of lease liabilities (in thousands): September 25, 2020 Operating Leases Fiscal 2021 $ 18,098 Fiscal 2022 14,868 Fiscal 2023 13,299 Fiscal 2024 12,718 Fiscal 2025 8,898 Thereafter 22,484 Total undiscounted lease payments 90,365 Less: imputed interest (9,228) Total lease liabilities $ 81,137 September 27, 2019 Operating Leases Remainder of Fiscal 2020 $ 17,231 Fiscal 2021 9,329 Fiscal 2022 7,191 Fiscal 2023 6,218 Fiscal 2024 4,499 Thereafter 12,355 Total undiscounted lease payments $ 56,823 As Lessor As a lessor, we lease our Dolby Cinema product solution to exhibitors, Dolby Voice equipment to cloud conferencing service providers, and lease or sublease real estate properties. The terms of these leases vary from 4 to 10 years. Lease components consist of fixed payments and/or variable lease payments based on contracted percentages of revenue. Generally, leases do not grant any right to the lessee to purchase the underlying asset at the end of the lease term, with the exception of certain leases of Dolby Voice equipment for which the customer has the option to purchase the equipment at fair value. Dolby Cinema lease arrangements have options to extend the lease term at expiration by increments ranging from 1 to 5 years. Assets provided under an operating lease are carried at cost within property, plant and equipment and depreciated over the useful life of these asset using the straight-line method. Fixed operating lease payments are recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term to other income for our real estate property and to revenue for all other leases. Variable lease payments received under our Dolby Cinema operating leases are computed as shares of lessees' box office revenues and recognized to revenue in the period that box office sales occur. Lease incentive payments we make to lessees are amortized as a reduction in revenue over the lease term. For the year ended September 25, 2020, variable operating lease income was $10.4 million and fixed operating lease income was $3.7 million. If a lease is classified as a sales-type lease, the carrying amount of the asset is derecognized from property, plant and equipment and a net investment in the lease is recorded. The net investment in the lease is measured at commencement date as the sum of the lease receivable and the estimated residual value of the equipment. The unguaranteed residual value of the equipment was determined as the estimated carrying value of the asset at the end of the lease term had the asset been depreciated on a straight-line basis. At September 25, 2020, the unguaranteed residual value of sales-type leases was $0.7 million. Selling profit or loss arising from a sales-type lease is recorded at lease commencement and presented on a gross basis. Over the term of the lease, we recognize interest income on the net investment in the lease and any variable lease payments, which is not material and not included in the net investment in the lease. The following table presents the maturity analysis of fixed lease payments due to Dolby (in thousands): September 25, 2020 Operating Leases Sales-Type Leases Fiscal 2021 $ 3,361 $ 1,605 Fiscal 2022 3,393 1,605 Fiscal 2023 3,354 1,603 Fiscal 2024 1,821 796 Fiscal 2025 78 395 Thereafter 346 395 Total undiscounted cash flows 12,353 6,399 Less: present value of lease payments (recognized as lease receivables) (4,821) Difference $ 1,578

Goodwill & Intangible Assets

Goodwill & Intangible Assets	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 25, 2020
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Goodwill and Intangible Assets	Goodwill & Intangible Assets Goodwill The following table outlines changes to the carrying amount of goodwill (in thousands): Goodwill Balance at September 28, 2018 $ 327,982 Acquired goodwill 9,367 Translation adjustments (2,520) Balance at September 27, 2019 $ 334,829 Acquired goodwill — Translation adjustments 2,116 Balance at September 25, 2020 $ 336,945 Intangible Assets Intangible assets are stated at their original cost less accumulated amortization. Intangible assets subject to amortization consisted of the following (in thousands): September 25, 2020 September 27, 2019 Intangible Assets, Net Cost Accumulated Net Cost Accumulated Net Acquired patents and technology $ 342,637 $ (206,123) $ 136,514 $ 338,075 $ (176,867) $ 161,208 Customer relationships 64,740 (49,062) 15,678 64,728 (45,510) 19,218 Other intangibles 22,969 (22,730) 239 22,902 (22,437) 465 Total $ 430,346 $ (277,915) $ 152,431 $ 425,705 $ (244,814) $ 180,891 During fiscal 2020 and 2019, we purchased various patents and developed technology for purchase consideration of $2.9 million and $27.3 million, and upon acquisition, these intangible assets had a weighted-average useful life of 14.0 years and 7.9 years, respectively. These acquisitions facilitate our R&D efforts, technologies and potential product offerings. Amortization expense for our intangible assets is included in cost of licensing, cost of products, R&D and S&M expenses in our consolidated statements of operations. Amortization expense was $29.5 million, $29.7 million, and $26.5 million in fiscal 2020, 2019 and 2018, respectively. As of September 25, 2020, expected amortization expense of our intangible assets in future periods was as follows (in thousands): Fiscal Year Amortization Expense 2021 $ 30,913 2022 28,307 2023 23,929 2024 21,899 2025 6,845 Thereafter 40,538 Total $ 152,431

Stockholders' Equity And Stock-

Stockholders' Equity And Stock-Based Compensation	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 25, 2020
Stockholders' Equity And Stock-Based Compensation [Abstract]
Stockholders' Equity And Stock-Based Compensation	. Stockholders' Equity & Stock-Based Compensation We provide stock-based awards as a form of compensation for employees, officers and directors. We have issued stock-based awards in the form of stock options and RSUs under our equity incentive plans, as well as shares under our ESPP. Common Stock - Class A and Class B Our Board of Directors has authorized two classes of common stock, Class A and Class B. At September 25, 2020, we had authorized 500,000,000 Class A shares and 500,000,000 Class B shares. At September 25, 2020, we had 64,167,725 shares of Class A common stock and 36,128,720 shares of Class B common stock issued and outstanding. Holders of our Class A and Class B common stock have identical rights, except that holders of our Class A common stock are entitled to one vote per share and holders of our Class B common stock are entitled to ten votes per share. Shares of Class B common stock can be converted to shares of Class A common stock at any time at the option of the stockholder and automatically convert upon sale or transfer, except for certain transfers specified in our amended and restated certificate of incorporation. 2020 Stock Incentive Plan Following shareholder approval in January 2005, our 2005 Stock Plan was adopted by our Board of Directors on February 16, 2005. In February 2020, our stockholders approved the name change of our 2005 Stock Plan to the 2020 Stock Plan and certain other changes described in our proxy statement for our 2020 annual meeting of stockholders. Our 2020 Stock Plan, as amended and restated, provides for the ability to grant incentive stock options, non-qualified stock options, restricted stock, RSUs, stock appreciation rights, deferred stock units, performance units, performance bonus awards, and performance shares. A total of 55.0 million shares of our Class A common stock have been authorized for issuance under the 2020 Stock Plan in total since inception of the plan. For awards granted prior to February 2011, any shares subject to an award with a per share price less than the fair market value of our Class A common stock on the date of grant and any shares subject to an outstanding RSU award will be counted against the authorized share reserve as two shares for every one share subject to the award, and if returned to the 2020 Stock Plan, such shares will be counted as two shares for every one share returned. For those awards granted from February 2011 onward, any shares subject to an award with a per share price less than the fair market value of our Class A common stock on the date of grant and any shares subject to an outstanding RSU award will be counted against the authorized share reserve as 1.6 shares for every one share subject to the award, and if returned to the 2020 Stock Plan, such shares will be counted as 1.6 shares for every one share returned. Stock Options. Stock options are granted at fair market value on the date of grant. Options granted to employees and officers from June 2008 onward generally vest over four years, with 25% of the shares subject to the option becoming exercisable on the one-year anniversary of the date of grant and the balance of the shares vesting in equal monthly installments over the following 36 months. These options expire on the earlier of ten years after the date of grant or three months after termination of service. All options granted vest over the requisite service period and upon the exercise of stock options, we issue new shares of Class A common stock under the 2020 Stock Plan. Our 2020 Stock Plan also allows us to grant stock awards which vest based on the satisfaction of specific performance criteria. Performance-Based Stock Options. In fiscal 2016, we began granting PSOs to our executive officers with shares of our Class A common stock underlying such options. The contractual term for the PSOs is seven years, with vesting contingent upon market-based performance conditions, representing the achievement of specified Dolby annualized TSR targets at the end of a three-year measurement period following the date of grant. If the minimum conditions are met, the PSOs earned will cliff vest on the third anniversary of the grant date, upon certification of achievement of the performance conditions by our Compensation Committee. Anywhere from 0% to 125% of the shares subject to a PSO may vest based on achievement of the performance conditions at the end of the three In valuing the PSOs, which will be recognized as compensation cost, we used a Monte Carlo valuation model. Aside from the use of an expected term for the PSOs commensurate with their shorter contractual term, the nature of the valuation inputs used in the Monte Carlo valuation model were consistent with those used to value our non-performance based options granted under the 2020 Stock Plan. Compensation cost is being amortized on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period. On December 15, 2018, we granted PSOs to our executive officers exercisable for an aggregate of 241,100 shares at the target award amount, which would be exercisable up to an aggregate of 301,375 shares at 125% of the target award amount. On December 15, 2017, we granted PSOs to our executive officers exercisable for an aggregate of 264,000 shares at the target award amount, which would be exercisable up to an aggregate of 330,000 shares at 125% of the target award amount. On December 15, 2016, we granted PSOs to our executive officers exercisable for an aggregate of 276,199 shares at the target award amount, which would be exercisable for an aggregate of up to 345,248 shares at 125% of the target award amount. On December 15, 2015, we granted PSOs to our executive officers, which vested in December 2018 at 125% of the target award amount, for an aggregate of 334,623 shares. As of September 25, 2020, PSOs which would be exercisable for an aggregate of 726,639 shares at the target award amount (994,455 shares at 125% of the target award amount) were outstanding. The following table summarizes information about stock options issued under our 2020 Stock Plan: Shares Weighted-Average Weighted-Average Aggregate Intrinsic Value (1) (in thousands) (in years) (in thousands) Options outstanding at September 27, 2019 7,201 $ 48.03 Grants 1,150 67.77 Exercises (1,671) 40.16 Forfeitures and cancellations (81) 62.20 Options outstanding at September 25, 2020 6,599 53.30 6.2 $ 80,636 Options vested and expected to vest at September 25, 2020 6,345 52.80 6.1 80,486 Options exercisable at September 25, 2020 4,026 $ 45.98 5.2 76,557 (1) Aggregate intrinsic value is based on the closing price of our Class A common stock on September 25, 2020 of $64.99 and excludes the impact of options that were not in-the-money. Restricted Stock Units. Beginning in fiscal 2008, we began granting RSUs to certain directors, officers and employees under our 2020 Stock Plan. Awards granted to employees and officers generally vest over four years, with equal annual cliff-vesting. Awards granted to directors prior to November 2010 generally vest over three years, with equal annual cliff-vesting. Awards granted after November 2010 and prior to fiscal 2014 to new directors vest over approximately two years, with 50% vesting per year, while awards granted from November 2010 onward to ongoing directors generally vest over approximately one year. Awards granted to new directors from fiscal 2014 onward vest on the earlier of the first anniversary of the award’s date of grant, or the day immediately preceding the date of the next annual meeting of stockholders that occurs after the award’s date of grant. Our 2020 Stock Plan also allows us to grant RSUs that vest based on the satisfaction of specific performance criteria. At each vesting date, the holder of the award is issued shares of our Class A common stock. Compensation expense from these awards is equal to the adjusted fair market value of our Class A common stock on the date of grant, discounted to account for dividend payments forgone during the vesting period, and recognized on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period. Performance-Based Restricted Stock Units (PSUs). In the first quarter of fiscal 2020, we began granting PSUs to our executive officers with shares of our Class A common stock underlying such awards, which would vest for an aggregate of 62,000 shares at the target amount (124,000 shares at 200% of the target award amount). The terms of the PSU Agreement adopted in the first quarter fiscal 2020 provide for the grant of performance-based restricted stock units to our executive officers contingent on Dolby's achievement of annualized TSR targets measured against a comparator index over a three-year performance period following the date of grant. Anywhere from 0% to 200% of eligible restricted stock units may vest based on achievement of the performance conditions at the end of the three-year performance period. In valuing the PSUs which will be recognized as compensation cost, we used a Monte Carlo valuation model. Compensation cost is being amortized on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period. The following table summarizes information about RSUs issued under our 2020 Stock Plan: Shares Weighted-Average (in thousands) Non-vested at September 27, 2019 2,805 $ 58.84 Granted 1,395 65.76 Vested (1,078) 52.71 Forfeitures (143) 61.16 Non-vested at September 25, 2020 2,979 $ 62.70 The fair value as of the respective vesting dates of RSUs were as follows (in thousands): Fiscal Year Ended September 25, September 27, September 28, Restricted stock units - vest date fair value $ 72,426 $ 69,956 $ 64,755 Employee Stock Purchase Plan . Our plan allows eligible employees to have up to 10 percent of their eligible compensation withheld and used to purchase Class A common stock, subject to a maximum of $25,000 worth of stock purchased in a calendar year or no more than 1,000 shares in an offering period, whichever is less. An offering period consists of successive six one Stock Option Valuation Assumptions We use the Black-Scholes option pricing model to determine the estimated fair value of employee stock options at the date of the grant. The Black-Scholes model includes inputs that require us to make certain estimates and assumptions regarding the expected term of the award, as well as the future risk-free interest rate, and the volatility of our stock price over the expected term of the award. Expected Term. The expected term of an award represents the estimated period of time that options granted will remain outstanding, and is measured from the grant date to the date at which the option is either exercised or canceled. Our determination of the expected term involves an evaluation of historical terms and other factors such as the exercise and termination patterns of our employees who hold options to acquire our Class A common stock, and is based on certain assumptions made regarding the future exercise and termination behavior. Risk-Free Interest Rate. The risk-free interest rate is based on the yield curve of United States Treasury instruments in effect on the date of grant. In determining an estimate for the risk-free interest rate, we use average interest rates based on these instruments’ constant maturities with a term that approximates and corresponds with the expected term of our awards. Expected Stock Price Volatility. The expected volatility represents the estimated volatility in the price of our Class A common stock over a time period that approximates the expected term of the awards, and is determined using a blended combination of historical and implied volatility. Historical volatility is representative of the historical trends in our stock price for periods preceding the measurement date for a period that is commensurate with the expected term. Implied volatility is based upon externally traded option contracts of our Class A common stock. Dividend Yield. The dividend yield is based on our anticipated dividend payout over the expected term of our option awards. Dividend declarations and the establishment of future record and payment dates are subject to the Board of Directors’ continuing determination that the dividend policy is in the best interests of our stockholders. The dividend policy may be changed or canceled at the discretion of the Board of Directors at any time. The weighted-average assumptions used in the determination of the fair value of our stock options were as follows: Fiscal Year Ended September 25, September 27, September 28, Expected term (in years) 4.91 4.90 5.06 Risk-free interest rate 1.6 % 2.7 % 2.2 % Expected stock price volatility 24.2 % 22.9 % 22.6 % Dividend yield 1.3 % 1.1 % 1.1 % The following table summarizes the weighted-average fair value (per share) of stock options granted and the total intrinsic value of stock options exercised (in thousands): Fiscal Year Ended September 25, September 27, September 28, Stock options granted - weighted-average grant date fair value $ 13.76 $ 14.16 $ 13.19 Stock options exercised - intrinsic value 47,267 33,226 63,973 Stock-Based Compensation Expense Stock-based compensation expense for equity awards granted to employees is determined by estimating their fair value on the date of grant, and recognizing that value as an expense on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period in which our employees earn the awards. Compensation expense related to these equity awards is recognized net of estimated forfeitures, which reduce the expense recorded in the consolidated statements of operations. The selection of applicable estimated forfeiture rates is based on an evaluation of trends in our historical forfeiture data with consideration for other potential driving factors. If in subsequent periods actual forfeitures significantly differ from our initial estimates, we will revise such estimates accordingly. The estimated annual forfeiture rates used for awards granted were 9.74%, 9.78% and 9.91% in fiscal 2020, 2019, and 2018, respectively. The following two tables separately present stock-based compensation expense both by award type and classification in our consolidated statements of operations (in thousands): Expense - By Award Type Fiscal Year Ended September 25, September 27, September 28, Stock options $ 16,718 $ 17,742 $ 21,083 Restricted stock units 65,235 54,650 46,162 Employee stock purchase plan 4,675 4,188 4,004 Total stock-based compensation 86,628 76,580 71,249 Estimated benefit from income taxes (14,090) (12,884) (12,595) Total stock-based compensation, net of tax $ 72,538 $ 63,696 $ 58,654 Expense - By Income Statement Classification Fiscal Year Ended September 25, September 27, September 28, Cost of products and services $ 2,072 $ 1,710 $ 1,574 Research and development 25,634 23,191 19,515 Sales and marketing 31,915 28,137 24,997 General and administrative 27,007 23,542 25,163 Total stock-based compensation 86,628 76,580 71,249 Estimated benefit from income taxes (14,090) (12,884) (12,595) Total stock-based compensation, net of tax $ 72,538 $ 63,696 $ 58,654 The tax benefit that we recognize from shares issued under our ESPP is excluded from the tables above. This benefit was as follows (in thousands): Fiscal Year Ended September 25, September 27, September 28, Tax benefit - shares issued under ESPP $ 409 $ 353 $ 577 Unrecognized Compensation Expense. At September 25, 2020, total unrecognized compensation expense associated with employee stock options expected to vest was approximately $23.8 million, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 2.2 years. At September 25, 2020, total unrecognized compensation expense associated with RSUs expected to vest was approximately $121.8 million, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 2.3 years. Common Stock Repurchase Program In November 2009, we announced a stock repurchase program ("program"), providing for the repurchase of our Class A common stock. The following table summarizes the initial amount of authorized repurchases as well as additional repurchases approved by our Board of Directors as of September 25, 2020 (in thousands): Authorization Period Authorization Amount Fiscal 2010: November 2009 $ 250,000 Fiscal 2010: July 2010 300,000 Fiscal 2011: July 2011 250,000 Fiscal 2012: February 2012 100,000 Fiscal 2015: October 2014 200,000 Fiscal 2017: January 2017 200,000 Fiscal 2018: July 2018 350,000 Fiscal 2019: July 2019 350,000 Total $ 2,000,000 Stock repurchases under the program may be made through open market transactions, negotiated purchases, or otherwise, at times and in amounts that we consider appropriate. The timing of repurchases and the number of shares repurchased depend upon a variety of factors, including price, regulatory requirements, the rate of dilution from our equity compensation plans and other market conditions. The program does not have a specified expiration date, and can be limited, suspended or terminated at our discretion at any time without prior notice. Shares repurchased under the program will be returned to the status of authorized but unissued shares of Class A common stock. As of September 25, 2020, the remaining authorization to purchase additional shares is approximately $187 million. The following table provides information regarding share repurchase activity under the program in fiscal 2020: Quarterly Repurchase Activity Shares Cost (1) Average Price Paid Per Share (2) (in thousands) Q1 - Quarter ended December 27, 2019 432,042 $ 30,003 $ 69.44 Q2 - Quarter ended March 27, 2020 1,015,481 71,669 70.57 Q3 - Quarter ended June 26, 2020 474,340 27,081 57.09 Q4 - Quarter ended September 25, 2020 642,696 44,989 70.00 Total 2,564,559 $ 173,742 (1) Cost of share repurchases includes the price paid per share and applicable commissions. (2) Average price paid per share excludes commission costs. Dividend Program The following table summarizes dividends declared under the program during fiscal 2020: Fiscal Period Announcement Date Record Date Payment Date Cash Dividend Per Common Share Dividend Payment Fiscal 2020 Q1 - Quarter ended December 27, 2019 January 29, 2020 February 10, 2020 February 20, 2020 $ 0.22 $22.2 million Q2 - Quarter ended March 27, 2020 May 4, 2020 May 18, 2020 May 27, 2020 $ 0.22 $22.1 million Q3 - Quarter ended June 26, 2020 August 3, 2020 August 17, 2020 August 26, 2020 $ 0.22 $22.1 million Q4 - Quarter ended September 25, 2020 November 12, 2020 November 24, 2020 December 4, 2020 $ 0.22 $22.1 million (1) (1) The dividend payment amount is estimated based on the number of shares of our Class A and Class B common stock that we estimate will be outstanding as of the Record Date.

Accumulated Other Comprehensive

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 25, 2020
Equity [Abstract]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Other comprehensive income consists of three components: unrealized gains or losses on our AFS marketable investment securities, gains and losses on derivatives in cash flow hedge relationships not yet recognized in earnings, and the gains and losses from the translation of assets and liabilities denominated in non-U.S. dollar functional currencies. Until realized and reported as a component of net income, these comprehensive income items accumulate and are included within accumulated other comprehensive income, a subsection within stockholders’ equity in our consolidated balance sheets. Unrealized gains and losses on our investment securities are reclassified from AOCI into earnings when realized upon sale, and are determined based on specific identification of securities sold. Unrealized gains and losses on our cash flow hedges are reclassified from AOCI into earnings when the hedged operating expenses are recognized which is also when the gains and losses are realized. The following table summarizes the changes in the accumulated balances during the period, and includes information regarding the manner in which the reclassifications out of AOCI into earnings affect our consolidated statements of operations (in thousands): Fiscal Year Ended Fiscal Year Ended September 25, 2020 September 27, 2019 Investment Securities Cash Flow Hedges Currency Translation Adjustments Total Investment Securities Cash Flow Hedges Currency Translation Adjustments Total Beginning Balance $ 2,198 $ — $ (22,823) $ (20,625) $ (2,948) $ — $ (12,884) $ (15,832) Other comprehensive income before reclassifications: Unrealized gains/(losses) (5,393) 5,270 — (123) 5,131 (176) — 4,955 Foreign currency translation gains/(losses) (1) — — 7,420 7,420 — — (9,500) (9,500) Income tax effect - benefit/(expense) (87) (581) 22 (646) 37 — (439) (402) Net of tax (5,480) 4,689 7,442 6,651 5,168 (176) (9,939) (4,947) Amounts reclassified from AOCI into earnings: Realized gains/(losses) (1) 4,939 (894) — 4,045 (43) 176 — 133 Income tax effect - benefit/(expense) (2) (839) 174 — (665) 21 — — 21 Net of tax 4,100 (720) — 3,380 (22) 176 — 154 Net current-period other comprehensive income/(loss) (1,380) 3,969 7,442 10,031 5,146 — (9,939) (4,793) Ending Balance $ 818 $ 3,969 $ (15,381) $ (10,594) $ 2,198 $ — $ (22,823) $ (20,625) (1) Realized gains or losses, if any, from the sale of our AFS investment securities or from foreign currency translation adjustments are included within other income/expense, net in our consolidated statements of operations. Realized gains or losses on foreign currency contracts designated as cash flow hedges are included in operating expenses on the consolidated statements of operations. (2) The income tax benefit or expense is included within provision for income taxes in our consolidated statements of operations.

Earnings Per Share

Earnings Per Share	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 25, 2020
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Earnings Per Share	Earnings Per Share Basic EPS is computed by dividing net income attributable to Dolby Laboratories, Inc. by the number of weighted-average shares of Class A and Class B common stock outstanding during the period. Through application of the treasury stock method, diluted EPS is computed in the same manner, except that the number of weighted-average shares outstanding is increased by the number of potentially dilutive shares from employee incentive plans during the period. Basic and diluted EPS are computed independently for each fiscal quarter and year-to-date period, which involves the use of different weighted-average share count figures relating to quarterly and annual periods. As a result, and after factoring the effect of rounding to the nearest cent per share, the sum of all four quarter-to-date EPS figures may not equal year-to-date EPS. Potentially dilutive shares represent the hypothetical number of incremental shares issuable under the assumed exercise of outstanding stock options (both vested and unvested) and vesting of outstanding RSUs. The calculation of dilutive shares outstanding excludes securities that would have an antidilutive effect on EPS. The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted EPS attributable to Dolby Laboratories, Inc. (in thousands, except per share amounts): Fiscal Year Ended September 25, September 27, September 28, Numerator: Net income attributable to Dolby Laboratories, Inc. $ 231,363 $ 255,151 $ 41,746 Denominator: Weighted-average shares outstanding—basic 100,564 101,629 103,377 Potential common shares from options to purchase common stock 1,400 1,922 2,370 Potential common shares from restricted stock units 941 1,021 1,231 Potential common shares from ESPP 39 — — Weighted-average shares outstanding—diluted 102,944 104,572 106,978 Net income per share attributable to Dolby Laboratories, Inc.: Basic $ 2.30 $ 2.51 $ 0.40 Diluted $ 2.25 $ 2.44 $ 0.39 Antidilutive awards excluded from calculation: Stock options 3,209 2,340 1,043 Restricted stock units 2 1 6 ESPP 1 — —

Income Taxes

Income Taxes	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 25, 2020
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income Taxes	Income Taxes Our income tax expense, deferred tax assets and liabilities, and unrecognized tax benefits reflect management's best assessment of estimated current and future liabilities. We are subject to income taxes in both the United States and numerous foreign jurisdictions. Significant judgments and estimates are required in determining the consolidated income tax expense. Income Tax Provision The following two tables present the components of our income before provision for income taxes by geographic region and the portion of our provision for income taxes classified as current and deferred (in thousands): Fiscal Year Ended September 25, September 27, September 28, United States $ 32,426 $ 60,500 $ 27,819 Foreign 207,289 221,807 168,555 Total $ 239,715 $ 282,307 $ 196,374 Fiscal Year Ended September 25, September 27, September 28, Current: Federal $ (48,517) $ 14,144 $ 40,624 State 735 394 333 Foreign 61,153 64,335 59,383 Total current 13,371 78,873 100,340 Deferred: Federal (4,674) (55,793) 43,377 State (111) 1,007 17,484 Foreign (490) 2,715 (7,132) Total deferred (5,275) (52,071) 53,729 Provision for income taxes $ 8,096 $ 26,802 $ 154,069 Repatriation of Undistributed Foreign Earnings As a result of the Tax Act, foreign accumulated earnings that were subject to the mandatory Transition Tax as of December 31, 2017, can be repatriated to the U.S. without incurring further U.S. federal tax. The Tax Act moves towards a modified territorial tax system through the provision of a 100% dividend received deduction for the foreign-source portions of dividends received from controlled foreign subsidiaries. As a result, we have reevaluated our historical assertion and determined that we no longer consider a vast majority of these earnings to be indefinitely reinvested. During the fiscal year, we repatriated $300 million of foreign subsidiary earnings which were exempt from foreign withholding tax. As of September 25, 2020, the total undistributed earnings of our foreign subsidiaries were approximately $244 million. The unrecognized deferred tax liability on the portion of the undistributed earnings considered indefinitely reinvested is not material. Deferred Income Taxes Deferred income taxes reflect the net tax effects of temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and the amounts used for income tax purposes, using enacted tax rates in effect for the year in which the differences are expected to reverse. A summary of the tax effects of the temporary differences were as follows (in thousands): Fiscal Year Ended September 25, September 27, Deferred income tax assets: Investments $ 1,899 $ 2,099 Inventories 6,863 4,041 Net operating loss 3,450 2,050 Accrued expenses 13,839 13,917 Stock-based compensation 17,397 17,189 Revenue recognition 4,374 4,410 Depreciation and amortization 45,572 19,988 Lease liability 17,655 — Research and development credits 31,795 28,777 Foreign tax credits 12,161 10,777 Deemed repatriated earnings tax benefit 9,788 33,357 Other 4,765 4,705 Total gross deferred income tax assets 169,558 141,310 Less: valuation allowance (30,416) (24,884) Total deferred income tax assets 139,142 116,426 Deferred income tax liabilities: Right of use asset (17,360) — Intangibles (2,901) (2,351) Deferred income tax assets, net $ 118,881 $ 114,075 Net Operating Losses ("NOL") and Tax Credit Carryforwards At September 25, 2020, the NOL carryforwards for U.S. federal and California were $4.5 million and $9.0 million, respectively, and will start to expire in fiscal 2034 and 2029, respectively. Additionally, we had foreign NOL carryforwards of $9.8 million as of September 25, 2020, an amount which is not subject to expiration. At September 25, 2020, we had foreign tax credit and federal R&D tax credit carryforwards of $8.5 million and $6.9 million, respectively, which will start to expire in fiscal 2029 and fiscal 2039. We had California R&D tax credits of $34.7 million, which will carry forward indefinitely, and foreign R&D tax credits of $2.6 million, which will start to expire in fiscal 2021 and fiscal 2029. Valuation Allowance As of September 25, 2020, a $25.8 million valuation allowance was recorded against California deferred tax assets and a $4.6 million valuation allowance was recorded against foreign deferred tax assets for which ultimate realization of its future benefits is uncertain. Effective Tax Rate Each period, the combination of multiple different factors can impact our effective tax rate. These factors include both recurring items such as tax rates and the relative amount of income earned in foreign jurisdictions, as well as discrete items that may occur in, but are not necessarily consistent between periods. A reconciliation of the federal statutory tax rate to our effective tax rate on income from continuing operations was as follows: Fiscal Year Ended September 25, September 27, September 28, Federal statutory rate 21.0 % 21.0 % 24.6 % State income taxes, net of federal effect 0.2 0.2 0.7 Stock-based compensation (2.7) (1.9) (5.2) Research and development tax credits (3.0) (4.7) (4.0) Foreign-derived intangible income deduction (2.2) (0.7) — U.S. tax on foreign entities 3.1 0.6 — Foreign rate differential (1.8) (4.4) (9.4) Increase (decrease) unrecognized tax benefit (12.9) 3.4 3.7 Tax Act — (7.6) 53.3 Change in Valuation Allowance — 1.5 8.3 Other 1.7 2.1 6.5 Effective tax rate 3.4 % 9.5 % 78.5 % Our effective tax rate was 3.4% in fiscal 2020, compared with our federal statutory rate of 21.0%, and with our effective tax rate in fiscal 2019 of 9.5%. The decrease in our effective tax rate is primarily related to a benefit in fiscal 2020 from reversals of unrecognized tax benefits. Our effective tax rate was 78.5% in fiscal 2018 and was 9.5% in fiscal 2019. The effective tax rate in fiscal 2018 reflects the impact from the Tax Act, most notably the remeasurement of net deferred tax assets and the Transition Tax on the accumulated earnings of our foreign subsidiaries, and the establishment of a valuation allowance against California tax credits in fiscal 2018. In addition, our federal statutory tax rate decreased from a blended rate of 24.6% in fiscal 2018 to 21% in fiscal 2019. Uncertain Tax Positions As of September 25, 2020, the total amount of gross unrecognized tax benefits was $60.7 million, of which $42.0 million, if recognized, would reduce our effective tax rate. Our liability decreased from fiscal 2019 primarily due to lapse in the statute of limitations in fiscal 2020. Our liability for unrecognized tax benefits is classified within other non-current liabilities in our consolidated balance sheets. Over the next twelve months, we estimate that this amount could be reduced by $24.0 million as a result of the expiration of certain statute of limitations. Aggregate changes in the balance of gross unrecognized tax benefits, excluding interest and penalties, were as follows (in thousands): Fiscal Year Ended September 25, September 27, September 28, Beginning Balance $ 108,539 $ 102,009 $ 98,665 Gross increases - tax positions taken during prior years 5,504 115 — Gross decreases - tax positions taken during prior years — — (2,209) Gross increases - tax positions taken during current year 7,509 6,822 9,580 Gross decreases - settlements with tax authorities during current year (37) — (130) Lapse of statute of limitations (60,824) (407) (3,897) Ending Balance $ 60,691 $ 108,539 $ 102,009 Classification of Interest and Penalties We include interest and penalties related to gross unrecognized tax benefits within our provision for income taxes. To the extent accrued interest and penalties do not ultimately become payable, amounts accrued are reduced in the period that such determination is made and are reflected as a reduction of the overall income tax provision. In fiscal year 2020, our current tax provision was decreased by interest expense of $6.3 million, while in fiscal year 2019, our current tax provision was increased by interest expense of $3.5 million. Accrued interest and penalties are included within the related tax liability line item in our consolidated balance sheets. Our accrued interest and penalties on unrecognized tax benefits as of September 25, 2020 and September 27, 2019 were as follows (in thousands): Fiscal Year Ended September 25, September 27, Accrued interest $ 4,017 $ 10,315 Accrued penalties 45 44 Total $ 4,062 $ 10,359 We continue to monitor the progress of ongoing income tax controversies and the impact, if any, of the expected tolling of the statute of limitations in various taxing jurisdictions. We file income tax returns in the U.S. federal, states, and foreign jurisdictions. The material income tax jurisdictions are the U.S. federal, California, New York, and the Netherlands. We are currently under audit by the State of Oregon for fiscal years 2016 through 2018 and Spain for fiscal years 2014 and 2015. The statute remains open for fiscal years subsequent to 2014 for U.S. federal, and 2014 and onward for state and foreign purposes. Therefore, these periods may be subject to examination by the tax authorities. Management does not believe that the outcome of any ongoing examination will have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements. We believe that an adequate provision has been made for any adjustments that may result from tax examinations. However, the outcome of tax audits cannot be predicted with certainty. If resolution of any tax issues addressed in our current audits are inconsistent with management’s expectations, we may be required to adjust our tax provision for income taxes in the period such resolution occurs.

Restructuring

Restructuring	9 Months Ended
	Jun. 28, 2019
Restructuring Charges [Abstract]
Restructuring	Restructuring Restructuring charges/(credits) recorded in our statements of operations represent costs associated with separate individual restructuring plans implemented in various fiscal periods. Costs arising from these actions, including fluctuations in related balances between fiscal periods, are based on the nature of activities under the various plans. Fiscal 2019 Restructuring Events. In fiscal 2019, we recorded charges as a result of our early exit of a leased facility. In addition, we recorded charges associated with a strategic reorganization of our marketing function that resulted in severance and other related benefits provided to the affected employees. As a result of these events, we recorded a total of $36.6 million in restructuring costs in fiscal 2019 and they are reflected as such in the accompanying consolidated statement of operations. The table presented below summarizes changes in restructuring accruals under these plans (in thousands): Severance Leased facility exit costs Fixed assets write-off Other associated costs Total Balance at September 27, 2019 $ 128 $ 15,723 $ — $ — $ 15,851 Restructuring charges — 1,821 — — 1,821 Cash payments (75) (22,119) — — (22,194) Non-cash and other adjustments (53) 4,575 — — 4,522 Balance at September 25, 2020 $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — Accruals for restructuring charges incurred for the restructuring plans described above are included within accrued liabilities in our consolidated balance sheets while restructuring charges are included within restructuring charges in our consolidated statements of operations.

Commitments And Contingencies

Commitments And Contingencies	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 25, 2020
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Commitments And Contingencies	Commitments & Contingencies In the ordinary course of business, we enter into contractual agreements with third parties that include non-cancelable payment obligations, for which we are liable in future periods. These arrangements can include terms binding us to minimum payments and/or penalties if we terminate the agreement for any reason other than an event of default as described by the agreement. The following table presents a summary of our contractual obligations and commitments as of September 25, 2020 (in thousands): Payments Due By Fiscal Period Fiscal Fiscal Fiscal Fiscal Fiscal Thereafter Total Naming rights $ 7,915 $ 8,015 $ 8,116 $ 8,219 $ 8,322 $ 61,277 $ 101,864 Purchase obligations 17,305 2,991 139 — — — 20,435 Donation commitments 4,803 155 155 155 155 1,002 6,425 Total $ 30,023 $ 11,161 $ 8,410 $ 8,374 $ 8,477 $ 62,279 $ 128,724 Naming Rights. We are party to an agreement for naming rights and related benefits with respect to the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, California, the location of the Academy Awards®. The term of the agreement is 20 years, over which we will make payments on a semi-annual basis until fiscal 2032. Our payment obligations are conditioned in part on the Academy Awards being held and broadcast from the Dolby Theatre. Our payment obligations may be suspended or reduced in certain circumstances, including protracted closure of the Dolby Theatre. Purchase Obligations. Purchase obligations primarily consist of our commitments made under agreements to purchase goods and services related to Dolby Cinema and for purposes that include IT and telecommunications, marketing and professional services, and manufacturing and other R&D activities. Donation Commitments. Our donation commitments relate to non-cancelable obligations that consist of maintenance services and installation of imaging and audio products in exchange for various marketing, branding, and publicity benefits. The recipients of these donations participate in or promote the cinema and entertainment industry and our commitments vary in length, lasting up to 15 years. Indemnification Clauses. On a limited basis, our contractual agreements will contain a clause under which we agree to provide indemnification to the counterparty, most commonly to licensees in connection with licensing arrangements that include our IP. We have also entered into indemnification agreements with our officers, directors, and certain employees, and our certificate of incorporation and bylaws contain similar indemnification obligations. Additionally, and although not a contractual requirement, we have at times elected to defend our licensees from third party IP infringement claims. Since the terms and conditions of our contractual indemnification clauses do not explicitly specify our obligations, we are unable to reasonably estimate the maximum potential exposure for which we could be liable. Furthermore, we have not historically made any payments in connection with any such obligation and believe there to be a remote likelihood that any potential exposure in future periods would be of a material amount. As a result, no amounts have been accrued in our consolidated financial statements with respect to the contingent aspect of these indemnities.

Operating Segments and Geograph

Operating Segments and Geographic Data	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 25, 2020
Segments, Geographical Areas [Abstract]
Operating Segments and Geographic Data	Operating Segments & Geographic Information Operating Segments Operating segments are defined as components of an enterprise for which separate financial information is available, and which are evaluated regularly by the chief operating decision maker, or decision-making group, in deciding how to allocate resources and assess performance. Our CODM is our Chief Executive Officer. Reporting segments are operating segments exceeding specified revenue, profit or loss, or asset thresholds for which separate disclosure of information is necessary. We operate as a single reporting segment. This reflects the fact that our CODM continues to evaluate our financial information and resources, and continues to assess the performance of these resources, on a consolidated basis. All required financial segment information is therefore included in our consolidated financial statements. Geographic Information The methods to determine revenue by geographic region for each of the three categories included within total revenue in our consolidated statements of operations are described within the table presented below. Revenue Category Basis For Determining Geographic Location Licensing Region in which our licensees’ headquarters are located Products Destination to which our products are shipped Services Location in which the relevant services are performed The following tables present selected information regarding total revenue by geographic location (amounts presented in thousands). Revenue Composition - United States & International Fiscal Year Ended Location September 25, September 27, September 28, United States $ 460,972 $ 449,203 $ 353,235 International 700,820 792,417 701,365 Total revenue $ 1,161,792 $ 1,241,620 $ 1,054,600 Revenue Concentration - Significant Individual Geographic Regions Fiscal Year Ended Location September 25, September 27, September 28, United States 40 % 36 % 33 % South Korea 12 % 12 % 17 % China 20 % 20 % 15 % Japan 9 % 11 % 13 % Europe 10 % 12 % 12 % Taiwan 2 % 4 % 3 % Other 7 % 5 % 7 % Total 100 % 100 % 100 % Long-lived tangible assets, net of accumulated depreciation, by geographic region were as follows (in thousands): Location September 25, September 27, United States $ 453,889 $ 460,370 International 88,074 77,062 Total long-lived tangible assets, net of accumulated depreciation $ 541,963 $ 537,432

Legal Matters

Legal Matters	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 25, 2020
Loss Contingency, Information about Litigation Matters [Abstract]
Legal Matters	Legal Matters We are involved in various legal proceedings that occasionally arise in the normal course of business. These can include claims of alleged infringement of IP rights, commercial, employment, and other matters. In our opinion, resolution of these proceedings is not expected to have a material adverse impact on our operating results or financial condition. Given the unpredictable nature of legal proceedings, it is possible that an unfavorable resolution of one or more such proceedings could materially affect our future operating results or financial condition in a particular period, including as a result of required changes to our licensing terms, monetary penalties, and other potential consequences. However, based on the information known by us as of the date of this filing and the rules and regulations applicable to the preparation of our consolidated financial statements, any such amounts are either immaterial, or it is not possible to provide an estimate of any such potential losses.

Related Party Transactions

Related Party Transactions	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 25, 2020
Related Party Transactions [Abstract]
Related Party Transactions	Related Parties We maintain contractual agreements relating to certain entities affiliated with the Dolby family, who is considered a related party as our principal stockholder. These jointly-owned entities were established for the purpose of acquiring and leasing commercial property in the U.S. and U.K. primarily for our operational use. Although the entities affiliated with the Dolby family are the limited member or LP in each of these entities, they have a controlling interest based on holding majority economic ownership. We are the managing member or general partner in each of these affiliated entities, and with the exception of isolated instances where portions of these facilities are leased to third parties, we occupy the majority of the space. Therefore, we have consolidated the entities’ assets and liabilities and results of operations in our consolidated financial statements. The share of earnings and net assets of the entities attributable to the limited member or LP, as the case may be, is reflected as controlling interest in our consolidated financial statements. Our interests in these consolidated affiliated entities and the location of the property leased to Dolby Laboratories as of September 25, 2020 were as follows: Entity Name Minority Ownership Interest Location Of Properties Dolby Properties Brisbane, LLC 49.0 % Brisbane, California Dolby Properties Burbank, LLC 49.0 % Burbank, California Dolby Properties, LP 10.0 % Wootton Bassett, England We lease from our principal stockholder a commercial office building located at 100 Potrero Avenue in San Francisco, California under a term that expires on October 31, 2024. In fiscal 2019, we ceased occupancy of the facility, and do not intend to re-occupy the locations. As a result of our ceased occupancy, we incurred $33.5 million in restructuring charges recorded as operating expenses in our consolidated statement of operations. Related party rent expense included in operating expenses in our consolidated statements of operations were as follows (in thousands): Fiscal Year Ended September 25, September 27, September 28, Related party rent expense and restructuring charges included in operating expenses $ 126 $ 16,360 $ 3,483 Distributions. Distributions made by the jointly-owned real estate entities to our principal stockholder were as follows (in thousands): Fiscal Year Ended September 25, September 27, September 28, Distributions to principal stockholder $ (283) $ (1,015) $ (1,022)

Retirement Plans

Retirement Plans	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 25, 2020
Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits Cost (Reversal of Cost) [Abstract]
Retirement Plans	Retirement Plans We maintain a tax-qualified Section 401(k) retirement plan for employees in the United States and similar plans in foreign jurisdictions. Under the plan, employees are eligible to receive matching contributions and profit-sharing contributions. We also maintain a SERP, a non-qualified, employer-funded defined contribution retirement plan which was terminated in fiscal 2005. Retirement plan expenses, which are included in cost of products, cost of services, R&D, S&M, and G&A expense in our consolidated statements of operations, were as follows (in thousands): Fiscal Year Ended September 25, September 27, September 28, Retirement plan expenses $ 25,257 $ 23,375 $ 23,439

Selected Quarterly Financial Da

Selected Quarterly Financial Data (unaudited)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 25, 2020
Quarterly Financial Data [Abstract]
Selected Quarterly Financial Data (unaudited)	. Selected Quarterly Financial Data The following table presents selected unaudited quarterly financial information from fiscal 2020 and 2019 (in thousands, except per share amounts): Fiscal Year 2020 Fiscal Year 2019 Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Revenue: Licensing $ 257,683 $ 328,865 $ 235,125 $ 256,904 $ 260,279 $ 310,308 $ 271,897 $ 264,796 Products and services 34,194 22,950 11,784 14,287 42,097 27,950 30,262 34,031 Total revenue 291,877 351,815 246,909 271,191 302,376 338,258 302,159 298,827 Cost of revenue 37,315 36,830 29,888 42,465 38,629 36,575 39,690 45,960 Gross margin 254,562 314,985 217,021 228,726 263,747 301,683 262,469 252,867 Income/(loss) before taxes and controlling interest 54,454 110,779 39,990 34,492 74,254 110,002 41,800 56,251 Net income/(loss) attributable to Dolby Laboratories $ 48,753 $ 88,496 $ 67,285 $ 26,829 $ 98,219 $ 73,440 $ 39,574 $ 43,918 Earnings per share: Basic $ 0.49 $ 0.88 $ 0.67 $ 0.27 $ 0.96 $ 0.72 $ 0.39 $ 0.44 Diluted $ 0.47 $ 0.86 $ 0.66 $ 0.26 $ 0.93 $ 0.70 $ 0.38 $ 0.43 Weighted-average shares outstanding: Basic 100,336 100,854 100,593 100,473 102,677 102,141 101,218 100,481 Diluted 103,078 102,773 102,075 102,722 106,130 104,587 103,717 102,945

Basis Of Presentation (Policies

Basis Of Presentation (Policies)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 25, 2020
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Principles Of Consolidation	Principles of Consolidation The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Dolby Laboratories, Inc. and our wholly owned subsidiaries. In addition, we have consolidated the financial results of jointly owned affiliated companies in which our principal stockholder has a controlling interest. We report these controlling interests as a separate line in our consolidated statements of operations as net income attributable to controlling interest and in our consolidated balance sheets as a controlling interest. We eliminate all intercompany accounts and transactions upon consolidation.
Use of Estimates	Use of Estimates The preparation of our financial statements in accordance with U.S. GAAP requires management to make certain estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported and disclosed in our consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. Significant items subject to such estimates and assumptions include estimated shipments by our licensees for which we are owed a sales–based royalty. These estimates involve the use of historical data and judgment for several key attributes including industry estimates of expected shipments, the percentage of markets using our technologies, and average sale prices. Our estimates of royalty-based revenue also take into consideration the macroeconomic effect of global events, such as the COVID-19 pandemic or other natural disasters which may impact our licensees' supply chain activities as well as demand for shipments. Additional significant items subject to such estimates and assumptions include estimated selling prices for performance obligations within revenue arrangements; valuation allowances for accounts receivable; carrying values of inventories and certain property, plant, and equipment, goodwill and intangible assets; fair values of investments; accrued liabilities including liabilities for unrecognized tax benefits, deferred income tax assets and liabilities, and stock-based compensation. Actual results could differ from our estimates.
Fiscal Year	Fiscal YearOur fiscal year is a 52 or 53 week period ending on the last Friday in September. The fiscal years presented herein include the 52 week periods ended September 25, 2020 (fiscal 2020), September 27, 2019 (fiscal 2019), and September 28, 2018 (fiscal 2018).
Reclassifications	Reclassifications We have reclassified certain prior period amounts within our consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes to conform to our current period presentation. These reclassifications did not affect total revenue, operating income, operating cash flows or net income.

Summary Of Significant Accoun_2

Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 25, 2020
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Concentration of Credit Risk	Concentration of Credit Risk Our financial instruments that are exposed to concentrations of credit risk principally consist of cash, cash equivalents, investments, and accounts receivable. Our investment portfolio consists of investment grade securities diversified amongst security types, industries, and issuers. All our securities are held in custody by a recognized financial institution. Our policy limits the amount of credit exposure to a maximum of 5% to any one issuer, except for the U.S. Treasury, and we believe no significant concentration risk exists with respect to these investments. We also mitigate counterparty risk through entering into derivative contracts with high-credit-quality financial institutions. The majority of our licensing revenue is generated from customers outside of the U.S. We manage this risk by performing regular evaluations of the creditworthiness of our licensing customers. In fiscal 2020, 2019, and 2018, we did not have any individual customers whose revenue exceeded 10% of our total revenue.
Cash and Cash Equivalents	Cash and Cash Equivalents We consider all short-term highly liquid investments with original maturities of 90 days or less from the date of purchase to be cash equivalents. Cash and cash equivalents primarily consist of funds held in general checking accounts, money market accounts, commercial paper, and government bonds.
Restricted Cash	Restricted CashRestricted cash on our consolidated balance sheets consists of cash contributed by Dolby and third-party licensors to Via Licensing Corporation, our wholly-owned subsidiary, that may only be used for licensor enforcement actions or licensee compliance activities related to certain Via-administered patent pools, as well as to disperse costs associated with any audit of Via Licensing Corporation for the Wideband Code Division Multiple Access (W-CDMA) patent pool
Investments	Investments All of our investments are classified as available-for-sale securities, with the exception of our mutual fund investments held in our supplemental retirement plan, which are classified as trading securities. Investments that have an original maturity of 91 days or more at the date of purchase and a current maturity of less than one year are classified as short-term investments, while investments with a current maturity of more than one year are classified as long-term investments. Our investments are recorded at fair value in our consolidated balance sheets. Unrealized gains and losses on our AFS securities are reported as a component of AOCI, while realized gains and losses, other-than-temporary impairments, and credit losses are reported as a component of net income. Upon sale, gains and losses are reclassified from AOCI into earnings, and are determined based on specific identification of securities sold. We evaluate our investment portfolio for credit losses and other-than-temporary impairments by comparing the fair value with the cost basis for each of our investment securities. An investment is impaired if the fair value is less than its cost basis. If any portion of the impairment is deemed to be the result of a credit loss, the credit loss portion of the impairment is included as a component of net income. If we deem it probable that we will not recover the full cost basis of the security, the security is other-than-temporarily impaired, and the impairment loss is recognized as a component of net income.
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts	Allowance for Doubtful Accounts We maintain a provision for estimated losses on receivables resulting from our customers' inability to make required payments. In determining the provision, we evaluate the collectability of our accounts receivable based upon a variety of factors. In cases where we are aware of circumstances that may impair a specific customer’s ability to meet its financial obligations, we record a specific allowance against amounts due, and thereby reduce the net recognized receivable to the amount reasonably believed to be collectible. For all other customers, we recognize allowances for doubtful accounts based on our actual historical write-off experience in conjunction with the length of time the receivables are past due, geographic risk and the current business environment. Actual future losses from uncollectible accounts may differ from our estimates.
Inventories	Inventories Inventories are accounted for using the first-in, first-out method, and are valued at the lower of cost and net realizable value. We evaluate our ending inventories for estimated excess quantities and obsolescence. Our evaluation includes the analysis of future sales demand by product within specific time horizons. Inventories in excess of projected future demand are written down to their net realizable value. In addition, we assess the impact of changing technology on our inventory balances and write-off inventories that are considered obsolete. Write-downs and write-offs of inventory are recorded as a cost of products in our consolidated statements of operations. We classify inventory that we do not expect to sell within twelve months as other non-current assets in our consolidated balance sheets.
Property, Plant, and Equipment	Property, Plant, and Equipment PP&E is stated at cost less accumulated depreciation. Depreciation expense is recognized on a straight-line basis according to estimated useful lives assigned to each of our different categories of PP&E as summarized within the following table: PP&E Category Useful Life Computer equipment and software 3 to 5 years Machinery and equipment 3 to 8 years Furniture and fixtures 5 to 8 years Leasehold improvements Lesser of useful life or related lease term Equipment provided under operating leases 15 years Buildings and building improvements 20 to 40 years We capitalize certain costs incurred during the construction phase of a project or asset into construction-in-progress until the construction process is complete. Once the related asset is placed into service, we transfer its carrying value into the appropriate fixed asset category and begin depreciating the value over its useful life. Equipment Provided Under Operating Leases. In arrangements that we assess as operating leases, we recognize our cinema equipment installed at third party sites as a fixed asset and depreciate the asset on a straight-line basis.
Internal Use Software	Internal Use Software. We account for the costs of computer software developed for internal use by capitalizing costs of materials and external consultants. These costs are included in PP&E, net of accumulated amortization in our consolidated balance sheets. Our capitalized internal use software costs are typically amortized on a straight-line basis over estimated useful lives of three
Goodwill, Intangible Assets, and Long-Lived Assets	Goodwill, Intangible Assets, and Long-Lived Assets We test goodwill for impairment annually during our third fiscal quarter and whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may be impaired. We perform a qualitative assessment as a determinant for whether the two-step annual goodwill impairment test should be performed. For fiscal 2020, we completed our annual goodwill impairment assessment in the fiscal quarter ended June 26, 2020. We determined in our qualitative review that it is more likely than not that the fair value of our reporting unit is substantially in excess of the respective carrying amount. Accordingly, there was no impairment, and the two-step goodwill impairment test was not required. We did not incur any goodwill impairment losses in any of the periods presented. Intangible assets are stated at their original cost less accumulated amortization, and those with definite lives are amortized over their estimated useful lives. Our intangible assets principally consist of acquired technology, patents, trademarks, customer relationships and contracts, the majority of which are amortized on a straight-line basis over their useful lives using a range from three We review long-lived assets, including intangible assets, for impairment whenever events or a change in circumstances indicate an asset’s carrying value may not be recoverable. Recoverability of an asset is measured by comparing its carrying value to the total future undiscounted cash flows that the asset is expected to generate. If it is determined that an asset is not recoverable, an impairment loss is recorded in the amount by which the carrying value of the asset exceeds its estimated fair value.
Revenue Recognition	Revenue Recognition We enter into revenue arrangements with our customers to license technologies, trademarks and patents for sound, imaging and voice solutions, and to sell products and services. We recognize revenue when we satisfy a performance obligation by transferring control over the use of a license, product, or service to a customer. For additional financial information and a summary our accounting policy, refer to Note 3. "Revenue Recognition" to our consolidated financial statements.
Cost of Revenue	Cost of Revenue Cost of licensing. Cost of licensing primarily consists of amortization expenses associated with purchased intangible assets and intangible assets acquired in business combinations. Cost of licensing also includes IP royalty obligations to third parties, depreciation of our Dolby Cinema equipment provided under operating leases in collaborative arrangements, and direct fees incurred. Cost of products and services. Cost of products primarily consists of the cost of materials related to products sold, applied labor, and manufacturing overhead. Our cost of products also includes third party royalty obligations paid to license IP that we include in our products. Cost of services primarily consists of the personnel and personnel-related costs of employees performing our professional services, and those of outside consultants, and reimbursable expenses incurred on behalf of customers.
Stock-Based Compensation	Stock-Based Compensation We measure expenses associated with all employee stock-based compensation awards using a fair-value method and record such expense in our consolidated financial statements on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period.
Advertising and Promotional Costs	Advertising and Promotional Costs Advertising and promotional costs are charged to S&M expense as incurred. Our advertising and promotional costs were as follows (in thousands): Fiscal Year Ended September 25, September 27, September 28, Advertising and promotional costs $ 61,125 $ 49,118 $ 49,519
Income Taxes	Income Taxes We use the asset and liability method, under which deferred income tax assets and liabilities are determined based upon the difference between the financial statement carrying amounts and the tax bases of assets and liabilities, and NOL carryforwards are measured using the enacted tax rate expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which the differences are expected to be reversed. In assessing the realizability of deferred tax assets, we consider whether it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. The realization of deferred tax assets is additionally dependent upon the generation of future taxable income during the periods in which those temporary differences become deductible. We consider the scheduled reversal of deferred tax liabilities and projected future taxable income in making this assessment, and we record a valuation allowance to reduce our deferred tax assets when it's more-likely-than-not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. We record an unrecognized tax benefit from an uncertain tax position only if it is more likely than not that the tax position will be sustained upon examination by the tax authorities. We include interest and penalties related to gross unrecognized tax benefits within our provision for income taxes. To the extent accrued interest and penalties do not ultimately become payable, amounts accrued are reversed in the period that such determination is made and are reflected as a reduction of the overall income tax provision.
Recently Issued Accounting Standards	Recently Issued Accounting Standards We continually assess any ASUs or other new accounting pronouncements issued by the FASB to determine their applicability and impact on us. Where it is determined that a new accounting pronouncement will result in a change to our financial reporting, we take the appropriate steps to ensure that such changes are properly reflected in our consolidated financial statements or notes thereto. Adopted Standards Leases. In the first quarter of fiscal 2020, we adopted ASU 2016-02, Leases (ASC 842 ) along with all subsequent applicable ASU clarifications and improvements , which requires lessees to recognize leases on balance sheet and disclose key information about leasing arrangements. We adopted ASC 842 using the modified retrospective transition method and used the effective date as the date of initial application. Consequently, financial information is not updated and the disclosures required under ASC 842 are not provided for dates and periods prior to implementation. ASC 842 provides a number of optional practical expedients in transition. We elected the “package of practical expedients,” which permits us not to reassess under ASC 842 our prior conclusions about lease identification, lease classification and initial direct costs. In addition, we account for lease and non-lease components as a single lease component. Operating leases are included in operating lease right-of-use assets and in current and non-current operating lease liabilities on our consolidated balance sheets. As a lessee, the adoption of ASC 842 resulted in the recording of Operating lease right-of-use ("ROU") assets and Operating lease liabilities of $62.1 million and $64.6 million, respectively, as of September 28, 2019. The difference between the operating lease assets and liabilities was recorded as an adjustment to Other non-current liabilities, primarily related to deferred rent and other lease incentives. As a lessor, the adoption of ASC 842 did not have a material impact. The adoption of ASC 842 did not impact Retained Earnings. Income Taxes: Comprehensive Income. In the first quarter of fiscal 2020, we adopted ASU 2018-02, Income Statement - Reporting Comprehensive Income (Topic 220): Reclassification of Certain Tax Effects From Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, which allows a reclassification from accumulated other comprehensive income to retained earnings for stranded tax effects resulting from the Tax Act. We elected to not reclassify the stranded tax effects to retained earnings as they were not material to Dolby's consolidated financial statements. Standards Not Yet Adopted Collaborative Arrangements. In November 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-18, Collaborative Arrangements (Topic 808): Clarifying the Interaction between Topic 808 and Topic 606 , which clarifies that certain transactions between participants in a collaborative arrangement should be accounted for under ASC 606 when the counterparty is a customer. In addition, ASU 2018-18 precludes an entity from presenting consideration from a transaction in a collaborative arrangement as revenue from contracts with customers if the counterparty is not a customer for that transaction. This standard will be effective for Dolby beginning September 26, 2020. While we have a number of collaborative arrangements, we do not believe that this standard will have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements. Financial Instruments. In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-13, Financial Instruments (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments , which modifies the measurement of expected credit losses of certain financial instruments, including trade receivables, contract assets, and lease receivables. This standard will be effective for Dolby beginning September 26, 2020. We do not believe that this standard will have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements. Income Taxes. In December 2019, the FASB issued ASU 2019-12, Income Taxes (Topic 740): Simplifying the Accounting for Income Taxes
Revenue Recognition	Revenue Recognition We enter into revenue arrangements with our customers to license technologies, trademarks and patents for sound, imaging and voice solutions, and to sell products and services. We recognize revenue when we satisfy a performance obligation by transferring control over the use of a license, product, or service to a customer. A. Identification of the Contract or Contracts with Customers We generally determine that a contract with a customer exists upon the execution of an agreement and after consideration of collectability, which could include an evaluation of the customer's payment history, the existence of a standby letter-of-credit between the customer’s financial institution and our financial institution, public financial information, and other factors. At contract inception, we also evaluate whether two or more non-standard agreements with a customer should be combined and accounted for as a single contract. B. Identification of Performance Obligations in a Contract We generate revenues principally from the following sources, which represent performance obligations in our contracts with customers: • Licensing. We license our technologies, including patents, to a range of customers who incorporate them into their products for enhanced audio, imaging and voice functionality across broadcast, mobile, CE, PC, gaming, and other markets. • Product Sales. We design and provide audio and imaging products for the cinema, television, broadcast, communications, and entertainment industries. • Services. We provide various services to support theatrical and television production for cinema exhibition, broadcast, and home entertainment, including equipment training, mixing room alignment, equalization, as well as audio, color and light image calibration. • PCS. We provide PCS for products sold and for equipment leased, and we support the implementation of our licensing technologies in our licensees’ products. • Equipment Leases. We collaborate with established cinema exhibitors to offer Dolby Cinema, a branded premium cinema offering for movie audiences by leasing equipment and licensing our intellectual property. We also lease hardware that facilitates the Dolby conferencing experience, including the Dolby Conference Phone, and the Dolby Voice Room solution. • Licensing Administration Fees. We generate service fees for managing patent pools on behalf of third party patent owners through our wholly-owned subsidiary, Via Licensing Corporation. Some of our revenue arrangements include multiple performance obligations, such as hardware, software, support and maintenance, and extended warranty services. We evaluate whether promised products and services are distinct performance obligations. The majority of our arrangements with multiple performance obligations pertain to our digital cinema server and processor sales that include the following distinct performance obligations to which we allocate portions of the transaction price based on their stand-alone selling price: • Digital cinema server hardware and embedded software, which is highly dependent on and highly interrelated with the hardware. Accordingly, the hardware and embedded software represent a single performance obligation. • The right to support and maintenance, which is included with the purchase of the digital cinema server hardware, is a distinct performance obligation. • The right to receive commissioning services is a distinct performance obligation within the sale of the Dolby Atmos Cinema Processor. These services consist of the review of venue designs specifying proposed speaker placement as well as calibration services performed for installed speakers to ensure optimal playback. C. Determination of Transaction Price for Performance Obligations in a Contract After identifying the distinct performance obligations, we determine the transaction price in accordance with the terms of the underlying executed contract which may include variable consideration such as discounts, rebates, refunds, rights of returns, and incentives. We assess and update, if necessary, the amount of variable consideration to which we are entitled for each reporting period. At the end of each reporting period, we estimate and accrue a liability for returns and adjustments as a reduction to revenue based on several factors, including past returns history. With the exception of our sales-based royalties, we evaluate whether a significant financing component exists when we recognize revenue in advance of customer payments that occur over time. For example, some of our licensing arrangements include payment terms greater than one year from when we transfer control of our IP to a licensee and the receipt of the final payment for that IP. If a significant financing component exists, we classify a portion of the transaction price as interest income, instead of recognizing all of the transaction price as revenue. We do not adjust the transaction price for the effects of financing if, at contract inception, the period between the transfer of control to a customer and final payment is expected to be one year or less. D. Allocation of Transaction Price to Distinct Performance Obligations in a Contract For our sales-based royalties where the license is the predominant item to which the royalties relate, we present all revenues as licensing. For revenue arrangements that include multiple performance obligations, we determine the stand-alone selling price for each distinct performance obligation based on the actual selling prices made to customers. If the performance obligation is not sold separately, we estimate the stand-alone selling price. We do so by considering market conditions such as competitor pricing strategies, customer specific information and industry technology lifecycles, internal conditions such as cost and pricing practices, or applying the residual approach method when the selling price of the good, most commonly a license, is highly variable or uncertain. Once the transaction price - including any variable consideration - has been determined, we allocate the transaction price to the performance obligations identified in the contract and recognize revenue as or when control is transferred for each distinct performance obligation. E. Revenue Recognition as Control is Transferred to a Customer We generate our licensing revenue by licensing our technologies and patents to various types of licensees, such as chip manufacturers ("implementation licensees"), consumer product manufacturers, software vendors, and communications service providers. Our revenue recognition policies for each of these arrangements are summarized below. Initial fees from implementation licensees. Implementation licensees incorporate our technologies into their chipsets that, once approved by Dolby, are available for purchase by OEMs for use in end-user products. Implementation licensees only pay us a nominal initial fee on contract execution as consideration for the ongoing services that we provide to assist in their implementation process. Revenues from these initial fees are recognized ratably over the contractual term as a component of licensing revenue. Sales-based licensing fees. In our royalty bearing licensing agreements with OEMs, control is transferred upon the later of contract execution or the contract’s effective date. We apply the royalty exception, which requires that we recognize sales-based royalties when the sales occur based on our estimates. These estimates involve the use of historical data and judgment for several key attributes including industry estimates of expected shipments, the percentage of markets using our technologies, and average sale prices. Generally, our estimates represent the current period’s shipments to which we expect our licensees to submit royalty statements in the following quarter. Upon receipt of royalty statements from the licensees with the actual reporting of sales-based royalties that we estimated previously, we record a favorable or unfavorable adjustment based on the difference, if any, between estimated and actual sales. In the first quarter of fiscal 2020, we recorded a favorable adjustment of approximately $9 million, which was primarily related to shipments that occurred in our fourth quarter of fiscal 2019 (July through September) and largely based on actual royalty statements received from licensees. In the second, third, and fourth quarters of fiscal 2020 we recorded favorable adjustments of $7 million, $11 million, and $26 million, respectively, each primarily related to shipments that occurred in the preceding fiscal quarter, and largely based on actual royalty statements received from licensees. Fixed and guaranteed licensing fees. In certain cases, our arrangements require the licensee to pay fixed, non-refundable fees. In these cases, control is transferred, and fees are recognized upon the later of contract execution or the effective date. Additionally, and separate from initial fees from implementation licensees, our sales- and usage-based licensing agreements include a nominal fee, which is also recognized at a point in time in which control of the IP has been transferred. Revenues from these arrangements are included as a component of licensing revenue. Recoveries. Through compliance efforts, we identify under-reported licensed activity related to non-current periods. We may record a favorable or unfavorable revenue adjustment in connection with the findings from these compliance efforts generally upon resolution with the licensee through agreement of the findings, or upon receipt of the licensee’s correction statement. Revenues from these arrangements are included as a component of licensing revenue. We undertake activities aimed at identifying potential unauthorized uses of our technologies, which when successful result in the recognition of revenue. Recoveries stem from third parties who agree to remit payments to us based on past use of our technology. In these scenarios, a legally binding contract did not exist at time of use of our technology, and therefore, we recognize revenue recoveries upon execution of the agreement as that is the point in time to which a contract exists and control is transferred. These revenues are classified as licensing revenue. In general, we classify legal costs associated with activities aimed at identifying potential unauthorized uses of our technologies, auditing existing licensees, and on occasion, pursuing litigation as S&M in our consolidated statements of operations. We recognize licensing revenue gross of withholding taxes, which our licensees remit directly to their local tax authorities, and for which we receive a partial foreign tax credit in our income tax provision. In addition to our licensing arrangements, we also enter into arrangements to deliver products and services. Product Sales. Revenue from the sale of products is recognized when the customer obtains control of the promised good or service, which is generally upon shipment. Payments are generally made within 90 days of sale. Services. We provide various services, such as engineering services related to movie soundtrack print mastering, equipment training and maintenance, mixing room alignment, equalization, and image calibration, which we bill on a fixed fee and time and materials basis. Most of these services are of a short duration and are recognized as control of the performance obligations are transferred which is when the related services are performed. Collaborative Arrangements. We collaborate with established cinema exhibitors to offer Dolby Cinema, a branded premium cinema offering for movie audiences. Under such collaborations, Dolby and the exhibitor are both active participants, and share the risks and rewards associated with the business. Accordingly, these collaborations are governed by revenue sharing arrangements under which Dolby receives revenue based on box office receipts, reported to Dolby by exhibitor partners on a monthly or quarterly basis, our proprietary designs and trademarks as well as for the use of our equipment at the exhibitor’s venue. The use of our product solution meets the definition of a lease, and for the related portion of Dolby's share of revenue, we apply ASC 842, Leases , and recognize revenue based on monthly box office reports from exhibitors. Our revenue share is recognized as licensing revenue in our consolidated statements of operations. In addition, we also enter into hybrid agreements where a portion involves guaranteed payments, which in some cases result in classifying the arrangement as a sales-type lease. In such arrangements, we consider control to transfer at the point in time to which we have installed and tested the equipment, at which point we record such guaranteed payments as product revenue. Via Administration Fee. We generate service fees for managing patent pools on behalf of third party patent owners through our wholly-owned subsidiary, Via Licensing Corporation. As an agent to licensors in the patent pool, Via receives a share of the sales-based royalty that the patent pool licensors earn from licensees. As such, we apply the sales-based royalty exception as the service provided is directly related to the patent pool licensors’ provision of IP, which results in recognition based on estimates of the licensee’s quarter shipments that use the pool’s patents. In addition to sales-based royalties, Via also has contracts where the fees are fixed. The revenue share Via receives from licensors on fixed fee contracts is recognized over the term in which we are providing services associated with the fixed fee contract. We recognize our administrative fees net of the consideration paid to the patent licensors in the pool as licensing revenue.

Summary Of Significant Accoun_3

Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 25, 2020
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Schedule Of Property, Plant, And Equipment, Estimated Useful Life	PP&E is stated at cost less accumulated depreciation. Depreciation expense is recognized on a straight-line basis according to estimated useful lives assigned to each of our different categories of PP&E as summarized within the following table: PP&E Category Useful Life Computer equipment and software 3 to 5 years Machinery and equipment 3 to 8 years Furniture and fixtures 5 to 8 years Leasehold improvements Lesser of useful life or related lease term Equipment provided under operating leases 15 years Buildings and building improvements 20 to 40 years
Advertising and Promotional Costs	Advertising and promotional costs are charged to S&M expense as incurred. Our advertising and promotional costs were as follows (in thousands): Fiscal Year Ended September 25, September 27, September 28, Advertising and promotional costs $ 61,125 $ 49,118 $ 49,519
Schedule of Foreign Currency Translation Gains (Losses)	These losses were as follows (in thousands): Fiscal Year Ended September 25, September 27, September 28, Foreign currency transaction (losses) $ (1,361) $ (260) $ (823)

Revenue Recognition (Tables)

Revenue Recognition (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 25, 2020
Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract]
Disaggregation of Revenue	The following table presents a summary of the composition of our revenue for all periods presented: Fiscal Year-To-Date Ended September 25, 2020 September 27, 2019 Revenue Licensing $ 1,078,577 93 % $ 1,107,280 89 % Products and services 83,215 7 % 134,340 11 % Total revenue $ 1,161,792 100 % $ 1,241,620 100 % The following table presents the composition of our licensing revenue for all periods presented: Fiscal Year-To-Date Ended September 25, 2020 September 27, 2019 Revenue By Market Broadcast $ 439,415 41 % $ 474,147 43 % Mobile 226,972 21 % 193,052 17 % CE 152,608 14 % 154,399 14 % PC 132,302 12 % 113,597 10 % Other 127,280 12 % 172,085 16 % Total licensing revenue $ 1,078,577 100 % $ 1,107,280 100 % Fiscal Year-To-Date Ended September 25, 2020 September 27, 2019 Revenue By Geographic Location United States $ 460,972 40 % $ 449,203 36 % International 700,820 60 % 792,417 64 % Total revenue $ 1,161,792 100 % $ 1,241,620 100 %
Contract with Customer, Asset and Liability	The following table presents a summary of the balances to which contract assets and liabilities related to revenue are recorded for all periods presented: September 25, 2020 September 27, 2019 Change ($) Change (%) Accounts receivable, net $ 180,340 $ 189,115 $ (8,775) (5) % Contract assets 161,357 195,651 (34,294) (18) % Contract liabilities - current 15,436 19,991 (4,555) (23) % Contract liabilities - non-current 24,342 24,404 (62) — %

Composition Of Certain Financ_2

Composition Of Certain Financial Statement Captions (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 25, 2020
Composition Of Certain Financial Statement Captions [Abstract]
Schedule Of Accounts Receivable	Accounts Receivable, Net September 25, September 27, Trade accounts receivable $ 147,618 $ 151,996 Accounts receivable from patent administration program licensees 48,630 46,894 Accounts receivable, gross 196,248 198,890 Less: allowance for doubtful accounts (15,908) (9,775) Total $ 180,340 $ 189,115
Schedule Of Allowance For Doubtful Accounts	Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Beginning Balance Charged to Deductions Ending Balance For fiscal year ended: September 28, 2018 $ 2,967 $ 2,413 $ (122) $ 5,258 September 27, 2019 5,258 4,523 (6) 9,775 September 25, 2020 9,775 7,689 (1,556) 15,908
Schedule Of Inventories	Inventories Inventories September 25, September 27, Raw materials $ 3,770 $ 8,031 Work in process 9,214 4,872 Finished goods 12,566 19,428 Total $ 25,550 $ 32,331
Schedule Of Prepaid Expenses And Other Current Assets	Prepaid Expenses And Other Current Assets September 25, September 27, Prepaid expenses $ 17,884 $ 17,997 Other current assets 35,138 21,707 Total $ 53,022 $ 39,704
Schedule Of Accrued Liabilities	Accrued Liabilities September 25, September 27, Accrued royalties $ 901 $ 2,957 Amounts payable to patent administration program partners 60,427 58,899 Accrued compensation and benefits 89,684 78,716 Accrued professional fees 10,344 19,216 Unpaid PP&E additions 15,102 15,332 Accrued customer refunds 10,053 24,299 Other accrued liabilities 33,463 68,725 Total $ 219,974 $ 268,144
Schedule Of Other Non-Current Liabilities	Other Non-Current Liabilities September 25, September 27, Supplemental retirement plan obligations $ 4,181 $ 3,466 Non-current tax liabilities (1) 85,943 136,323 Other liabilities 32,030 37,673 Total $ 122,154 $ 177,462

Investments and Fair Value Meas

Investments and Fair Value Measurements (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 25, 2020
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis	Our cash and investment portfolio consisted of the following (in thousands): September 25, Cost Unrealized Estimated Fair Value Gains Losses Total Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Cash and cash equivalents: Cash $ 856,740 $ — $ — $ 856,740 $ 856,740 $ — $ — Cash equivalents: Commercial paper 900 — — 900 — 900 — Money market funds 214,111 — — 214,111 214,111 — — Government bonds 125 — — 125 125 — — Cash and cash equivalents 1,071,876 — — 1,071,876 1,070,976 900 — Short-term investments: Certificate of deposit 2,277 1 — 2,278 — 2,278 — U.S. agency securities 999 12 — 1,011 — 1,011 — Government bonds 5,118 47 — 5,165 1,370 3,795 — Commercial paper 4,727 4 — 4,731 — 4,731 — Corporate bonds 18,754 87 (3) 18,838 — 18,838 — Municipal debt securities 14,828 97 — 14,925 — 14,925 — Short-term investments 46,703 248 (3) 46,948 1,370 45,578 — Long-term investments: U.S. agency securities 2,214 56 — 2,270 — 2,270 — Government bonds 5,137 80 — 5,217 1,633 3,584 — Corporate bonds 24,657 419 (7) 25,069 — 25,069 — Municipal debt securities 15,220 203 (6) 15,417 — 15,417 — Other long-term investments (1) 4,176 — — 4,176 — — — Long-term investments 51,404 758 (13) 52,149 1,633 46,340 — Total cash, cash equivalents, and investments $ 1,169,983 $ 1,006 $ (16) $ 1,170,973 $ 1,073,979 $ 92,818 $ — Investments held in supplemental retirement plan: Assets 4,279 — — 4,279 4,279 — — Included in prepaid expenses and other current assets & other non-current assets Liabilities 4,279 — — 4,279 4,279 — — Included in accrued liabilities & other non-current liabilities Currency derivatives as hedge instruments: Assets: Included in other current assets — 4,267 — 4,267 — 4,267 — Assets: included in other non-current assets — 369 — 369 — 369 — Liabilities: Included in other accrued expenses — — (79) (79) — (79) — (1) Other long-term investments as of September 25, 2020 is comprised of one equity method investment which is not carried at fair value of $4.2 million. September 27, Cost Unrealized Estimated Fair Value Gains Losses Total Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Cash and cash equivalents: Cash $ 680,287 $ — $ — $ 680,287 $ 680,287 $ — $ — Cash equivalents: Corporate bonds 1,000 — — 1,000 — 1,000 — Money market funds 115,270 — — 115,270 115,270 — — Government bonds 653 — — 653 653 — — Cash and cash equivalents 797,210 — — 797,210 796,210 1,000 — Short-term investments: Certificate of deposit 1,265 1 — 1,266 — 1,266 — U.S. agency securities 10,973 8 (9) 10,972 — 10,972 — Government bonds 8,381 11 (1) 8,391 5,784 2,607 — Commercial paper 6,347 9 — 6,356 — 6,356 — Corporate bonds 76,802 172 (34) 76,940 — 76,940 — Municipal debt securities 15,210 18 (7) 15,221 — 15,221 — Short-term investments 118,978 219 (51) 119,146 5,784 113,362 — Long-term investments: Asset backed securities 400 2 — 402 — 402 — U.S. agency securities 7,102 146 — 7,248 — 7,248 — Government bonds 23,563 187 — 23,750 19,670 4,080 — Corporate bonds 134,360 1,700 — 136,060 — 136,060 — Municipal debt securities 10,315 87 (6) 10,396 — 10,396 — Other long-term investments (1) 1,731 — — 1,731 — — — Long-term investments 177,471 2,122 (6) 179,587 19,670 158,186 — Total cash, cash equivalents, and investments $ 1,093,659 $ 2,341 $ (57) $ 1,095,943 $ 821,664 $ 272,548 $ — Investments held in supplemental retirement plan: Assets 3,564 — — 3,564 3,564 — — Included in prepaid expenses and other current assets & other non-current assets Liabilities 3,564 — — 3,564 3,564 — — Included in accrued liabilities & other non-current liabilities Currency derivatives as hedge instruments: Liabilities: Included in other accrued expenses — — (242) (242) — (242) —
Available for sale Securities, Unrealized Loss Position	The following table presents the gross unrealized losses and fair value for those AFS securities that were in an unrealized loss position as of September 25, 2020 and September 27, 2019 (in thousands): September 25, 2020 September 27, 2019 Less Than 12 Months Greater Than 12 Months Less Than 12 Months Greater Than 12 Months Investment Type Fair Value Gross Unrealized Losses Fair Value Gross Unrealized Losses Fair Value Gross Unrealized Losses Fair Value Gross Unrealized Losses Certificate of deposit $ — $ — $ — $ — $ 300 $ — $ — $ — U.S. agency securities — — — — — — 4,787 (9) Government bonds — — — — 1,426 — — — Corporate bonds 7,076 (10) — — 7,647 (3) 27,078 (32) Municipal debt securities 2,505 (6) — — 9,552 (13) 900 — Total $ 9,581 $ (16) $ — $ — $ 18,925 $ (16) $ 32,765 $ (41)
Available-for-sale Securities	Investment Maturities. The following table summarizes the amortized cost and estimated fair value of the AFS securities within our investment portfolio based on stated maturities as of September 25, 2020 and September 27, 2019, which are recorded within cash equivalents and both short and long-term investments in our consolidated balance sheets (in thousands): September 25, 2020 September 27, 2019 Range of maturity Amortized Cost Fair Value Amortized Cost Fair Value Due within 1 year $ 261,839 $ 262,085 $ 238,186 $ 238,354 Due in 1 to 2 years 29,328 29,814 93,948 94,899 Due in 2 to 3 years 17,900 18,159 81,793 82,957 Total $ 309,067 $ 310,058 $ 413,927 $ 416,210

Property, Plant & Equipment (Ta

Property, Plant & Equipment (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 25, 2020
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Property, Plant and Equipment	As of September 25, 2020 and September 27, 2019, PP&E consisted of the following (in thousands): Property, Plant, & Equipment September 25, September 27, Land $ 41,955 $ 41,918 Buildings and building improvements 283,617 282,924 Leasehold improvements 83,764 66,730 Machinery and equipment 126,942 128,525 Computer equipment and software 230,800 219,455 Furniture and fixtures 31,845 34,191 Equipment provided under operating leases 199,561 161,372 Construction-in-progress 19,545 19,616 Property, plant, and equipment, gross 1,018,029 954,731 Less: accumulated depreciation (476,066) (417,299) Property, plant, & equipment, net $ 541,963 $ 537,432

Leases (Tables)

Leases (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 25, 2020
Leases [Abstract]
Lease Cost Components, Supplemental Cash Flow Information and Supplemental Balance Sheet Information Schedules	The components of lease expense were as follows (in thousands): September 25, 2020 Lease cost Operating lease cost $ 23,570 Variable lease cost 1,175 Total lease cost $ 24,745 Supplemental cash flow information related to leases was as follows (in thousands): September 25, 2020 Other information Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of operating lease liabilities $ 22,043 Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for operating lease obligations 34,198 Supplemental balance sheet information related to leases was as follows: September 25, 2020 Operating Leases Weighted-average remaining lease term 6.5 years Weighted-average discount rate 3.1 %
Maturities of Lessee Lease Liabilities after Adoption of 842 Schedule	The following tables presents the maturity analysis of lease liabilities (in thousands): September 25, 2020 Operating Leases Fiscal 2021 $ 18,098 Fiscal 2022 14,868 Fiscal 2023 13,299 Fiscal 2024 12,718 Fiscal 2025 8,898 Thereafter 22,484 Total undiscounted lease payments 90,365 Less: imputed interest (9,228) Total lease liabilities $ 81,137 September 27, 2019 Operating Leases Remainder of Fiscal 2020 $ 17,231 Fiscal 2021 9,329 Fiscal 2022 7,191 Fiscal 2023 6,218 Fiscal 2024 4,499 Thereafter 12,355 Total undiscounted lease payments $ 56,823
Maturities of Lessee Lease Liabilities before Adoption of 842 Schedule	The following tables presents the maturity analysis of lease liabilities (in thousands): September 25, 2020 Operating Leases Fiscal 2021 $ 18,098 Fiscal 2022 14,868 Fiscal 2023 13,299 Fiscal 2024 12,718 Fiscal 2025 8,898 Thereafter 22,484 Total undiscounted lease payments 90,365 Less: imputed interest (9,228) Total lease liabilities $ 81,137 September 27, 2019 Operating Leases Remainder of Fiscal 2020 $ 17,231 Fiscal 2021 9,329 Fiscal 2022 7,191 Fiscal 2023 6,218 Fiscal 2024 4,499 Thereafter 12,355 Total undiscounted lease payments $ 56,823
Maturities of Lessor Operating Lease Payments Schedule	The following table presents the maturity analysis of fixed lease payments due to Dolby (in thousands): September 25, 2020 Operating Leases Sales-Type Leases Fiscal 2021 $ 3,361 $ 1,605 Fiscal 2022 3,393 1,605 Fiscal 2023 3,354 1,603 Fiscal 2024 1,821 796 Fiscal 2025 78 395 Thereafter 346 395 Total undiscounted cash flows 12,353 6,399 Less: present value of lease payments (recognized as lease receivables) (4,821) Difference $ 1,578
Maturities of Lessor Sales-Type Lease Payments Schedule	The following table presents the maturity analysis of fixed lease payments due to Dolby (in thousands): September 25, 2020 Operating Leases Sales-Type Leases Fiscal 2021 $ 3,361 $ 1,605 Fiscal 2022 3,393 1,605 Fiscal 2023 3,354 1,603 Fiscal 2024 1,821 796 Fiscal 2025 78 395 Thereafter 346 395 Total undiscounted cash flows 12,353 6,399 Less: present value of lease payments (recognized as lease receivables) (4,821) Difference $ 1,578

Goodwill & Intangible Assets (T

Goodwill & Intangible Assets (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 25, 2020
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Goodwill	The following table outlines changes to the carrying amount of goodwill (in thousands): Goodwill Balance at September 28, 2018 $ 327,982 Acquired goodwill 9,367 Translation adjustments (2,520) Balance at September 27, 2019 $ 334,829 Acquired goodwill — Translation adjustments 2,116 Balance at September 25, 2020 $ 336,945
Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets	Intangible assets are stated at their original cost less accumulated amortization. Intangible assets subject to amortization consisted of the following (in thousands): September 25, 2020 September 27, 2019 Intangible Assets, Net Cost Accumulated Net Cost Accumulated Net Acquired patents and technology $ 342,637 $ (206,123) $ 136,514 $ 338,075 $ (176,867) $ 161,208 Customer relationships 64,740 (49,062) 15,678 64,728 (45,510) 19,218 Other intangibles 22,969 (22,730) 239 22,902 (22,437) 465 Total $ 430,346 $ (277,915) $ 152,431 $ 425,705 $ (244,814) $ 180,891
Future Amortization Expense	As of September 25, 2020, expected amortization expense of our intangible assets in future periods was as follows (in thousands): Fiscal Year Amortization Expense 2021 $ 30,913 2022 28,307 2023 23,929 2024 21,899 2025 6,845 Thereafter 40,538 Total $ 152,431

Stockholders' Equity And Stoc_2

Stockholders' Equity And Stock-Based Compensation (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 25, 2020
Stockholders' Equity And Stock-Based Compensation [Abstract]
Summary Of Stock Options Issued To Officers, Directors, And Employees Under 2000 Stock Incentive Plan And 2005 Stock Plan	The following table summarizes information about stock options issued under our 2020 Stock Plan: Shares Weighted-Average Weighted-Average Aggregate Intrinsic Value (1) (in thousands) (in years) (in thousands) Options outstanding at September 27, 2019 7,201 $ 48.03 Grants 1,150 67.77 Exercises (1,671) 40.16 Forfeitures and cancellations (81) 62.20 Options outstanding at September 25, 2020 6,599 53.30 6.2 $ 80,636 Options vested and expected to vest at September 25, 2020 6,345 52.80 6.1 80,486 Options exercisable at September 25, 2020 4,026 $ 45.98 5.2 76,557 (1) Aggregate intrinsic value is based on the closing price of our Class A common stock on September 25, 2020 of $64.99 and excludes the impact of options that were not in-the-money.
Summary Of Restricted Stock Units Issued To Officers, Directors And Employees Under 2005 Stock Incentive Plan	The following table summarizes information about RSUs issued under our 2020 Stock Plan: Shares Weighted-Average (in thousands) Non-vested at September 27, 2019 2,805 $ 58.84 Granted 1,395 65.76 Vested (1,078) 52.71 Forfeitures (143) 61.16 Non-vested at September 25, 2020 2,979 $ 62.70
Schedule of Share-Based Payment Fair Value by Vesting Date	The fair value as of the respective vesting dates of RSUs were as follows (in thousands): Fiscal Year Ended September 25, September 27, September 28, Restricted stock units - vest date fair value $ 72,426 $ 69,956 $ 64,755
Schedule Of Fair Value Of Stock-Based Awards Estimated Using Weighted-Average Assumptions	The weighted-average assumptions used in the determination of the fair value of our stock options were as follows: Fiscal Year Ended September 25, September 27, September 28, Expected term (in years) 4.91 4.90 5.06 Risk-free interest rate 1.6 % 2.7 % 2.2 % Expected stock price volatility 24.2 % 22.9 % 22.6 % Dividend yield 1.3 % 1.1 % 1.1 %
Summary Of Weighted-Average Fair Value Of Stock Options Granted And Total Intrinsic Value Of Stock Options Exercised	The weighted-average assumptions used in the determination of the fair value of our stock options were as follows: Fiscal Year Ended September 25, September 27, September 28, Expected term (in years) 4.91 4.90 5.06 Risk-free interest rate 1.6 % 2.7 % 2.2 % Expected stock price volatility 24.2 % 22.9 % 22.6 % Dividend yield 1.3 % 1.1 % 1.1 % The following table summarizes the weighted-average fair value (per share) of stock options granted and the total intrinsic value of stock options exercised (in thousands): Fiscal Year Ended September 25, September 27, September 28, Stock options granted - weighted-average grant date fair value $ 13.76 $ 14.16 $ 13.19 Stock options exercised - intrinsic value 47,267 33,226 63,973
Schedule Of Stock-Based Compensation Expense By Plan	The following two tables separately present stock-based compensation expense both by award type and classification in our consolidated statements of operations (in thousands): Expense - By Award Type Fiscal Year Ended September 25, September 27, September 28, Stock options $ 16,718 $ 17,742 $ 21,083 Restricted stock units 65,235 54,650 46,162 Employee stock purchase plan 4,675 4,188 4,004 Total stock-based compensation 86,628 76,580 71,249 Estimated benefit from income taxes (14,090) (12,884) (12,595) Total stock-based compensation, net of tax $ 72,538 $ 63,696 $ 58,654
Schedule of Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs	Expense - By Income Statement Classification Fiscal Year Ended September 25, September 27, September 28, Cost of products and services $ 2,072 $ 1,710 $ 1,574 Research and development 25,634 23,191 19,515 Sales and marketing 31,915 28,137 24,997 General and administrative 27,007 23,542 25,163 Total stock-based compensation 86,628 76,580 71,249 Estimated benefit from income taxes (14,090) (12,884) (12,595) Total stock-based compensation, net of tax $ 72,538 $ 63,696 $ 58,654
Schedule of Tax Benefit from Exercise of Options	Expense - By Income Statement Classification Fiscal Year Ended September 25, September 27, September 28, Cost of products and services $ 2,072 $ 1,710 $ 1,574 Research and development 25,634 23,191 19,515 Sales and marketing 31,915 28,137 24,997 General and administrative 27,007 23,542 25,163 Total stock-based compensation 86,628 76,580 71,249 Estimated benefit from income taxes (14,090) (12,884) (12,595) Total stock-based compensation, net of tax $ 72,538 $ 63,696 $ 58,654 The tax benefit that we recognize from shares issued under our ESPP is excluded from the tables above. This benefit was as follows (in thousands): Fiscal Year Ended September 25, September 27, September 28, Tax benefit - shares issued under ESPP $ 409 $ 353 $ 577
Schedule of Treasury Stock Authorizations	The following table summarizes the initial amount of authorized repurchases as well as additional repurchases approved by our Board of Directors as of September 25, 2020 (in thousands): Authorization Period Authorization Amount Fiscal 2010: November 2009 $ 250,000 Fiscal 2010: July 2010 300,000 Fiscal 2011: July 2011 250,000 Fiscal 2012: February 2012 100,000 Fiscal 2015: October 2014 200,000 Fiscal 2017: January 2017 200,000 Fiscal 2018: July 2018 350,000 Fiscal 2019: July 2019 350,000 Total $ 2,000,000
Schedule of Stock Repurchase Activity	The following table provides information regarding share repurchase activity under the program in fiscal 2020: Quarterly Repurchase Activity Shares Cost (1) Average Price Paid Per Share (2) (in thousands) Q1 - Quarter ended December 27, 2019 432,042 $ 30,003 $ 69.44 Q2 - Quarter ended March 27, 2020 1,015,481 71,669 70.57 Q3 - Quarter ended June 26, 2020 474,340 27,081 57.09 Q4 - Quarter ended September 25, 2020 642,696 44,989 70.00 Total 2,564,559 $ 173,742 (1) Cost of share repurchases includes the price paid per share and applicable commissions. (2) Average price paid per share excludes commission costs.
Dividends Declared	The following table summarizes dividends declared under the program during fiscal 2020: Fiscal Period Announcement Date Record Date Payment Date Cash Dividend Per Common Share Dividend Payment Fiscal 2020 Q1 - Quarter ended December 27, 2019 January 29, 2020 February 10, 2020 February 20, 2020 $ 0.22 $22.2 million Q2 - Quarter ended March 27, 2020 May 4, 2020 May 18, 2020 May 27, 2020 $ 0.22 $22.1 million Q3 - Quarter ended June 26, 2020 August 3, 2020 August 17, 2020 August 26, 2020 $ 0.22 $22.1 million Q4 - Quarter ended September 25, 2020 November 12, 2020 November 24, 2020 December 4, 2020 $ 0.22 $22.1 million (1) (1) The dividend payment amount is estimated based on the number of shares of our Class A and Class B common stock that we estimate will be outstanding as of the Record Date.

Accumulated Other Comprehensi_2

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 25, 2020
Equity [Abstract]
Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	The following table summarizes the changes in the accumulated balances during the period, and includes information regarding the manner in which the reclassifications out of AOCI into earnings affect our consolidated statements of operations (in thousands): Fiscal Year Ended Fiscal Year Ended September 25, 2020 September 27, 2019 Investment Securities Cash Flow Hedges Currency Translation Adjustments Total Investment Securities Cash Flow Hedges Currency Translation Adjustments Total Beginning Balance $ 2,198 $ — $ (22,823) $ (20,625) $ (2,948) $ — $ (12,884) $ (15,832) Other comprehensive income before reclassifications: Unrealized gains/(losses) (5,393) 5,270 — (123) 5,131 (176) — 4,955 Foreign currency translation gains/(losses) (1) — — 7,420 7,420 — — (9,500) (9,500) Income tax effect - benefit/(expense) (87) (581) 22 (646) 37 — (439) (402) Net of tax (5,480) 4,689 7,442 6,651 5,168 (176) (9,939) (4,947) Amounts reclassified from AOCI into earnings: Realized gains/(losses) (1) 4,939 (894) — 4,045 (43) 176 — 133 Income tax effect - benefit/(expense) (2) (839) 174 — (665) 21 — — 21 Net of tax 4,100 (720) — 3,380 (22) 176 — 154 Net current-period other comprehensive income/(loss) (1,380) 3,969 7,442 10,031 5,146 — (9,939) (4,793) Ending Balance $ 818 $ 3,969 $ (15,381) $ (10,594) $ 2,198 $ — $ (22,823) $ (20,625) (1) Realized gains or losses, if any, from the sale of our AFS investment securities or from foreign currency translation adjustments are included within other income/expense, net in our consolidated statements of operations. Realized gains or losses on foreign currency contracts designated as cash flow hedges are included in operating expenses on the consolidated statements of operations. (2) The income tax benefit or expense is included within provision for income taxes in our consolidated statements of operations.

Per Share Data (Tables)

Per Share Data (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 25, 2020
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted	The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted EPS attributable to Dolby Laboratories, Inc. (in thousands, except per share amounts): Fiscal Year Ended September 25, September 27, September 28, Numerator: Net income attributable to Dolby Laboratories, Inc. $ 231,363 $ 255,151 $ 41,746 Denominator: Weighted-average shares outstanding—basic 100,564 101,629 103,377 Potential common shares from options to purchase common stock 1,400 1,922 2,370 Potential common shares from restricted stock units 941 1,021 1,231 Potential common shares from ESPP 39 — — Weighted-average shares outstanding—diluted 102,944 104,572 106,978 Net income per share attributable to Dolby Laboratories, Inc.: Basic $ 2.30 $ 2.51 $ 0.40 Diluted $ 2.25 $ 2.44 $ 0.39 Antidilutive awards excluded from calculation: Stock options 3,209 2,340 1,043 Restricted stock units 2 1 6 ESPP 1 — —

Income Taxes (Tables)

Income Taxes (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 25, 2020
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Components Of Income Before Provision For Income Taxes	The following two tables present the components of our income before provision for income taxes by geographic region and the portion of our provision for income taxes classified as current and deferred (in thousands): Fiscal Year Ended September 25, September 27, September 28, United States $ 32,426 $ 60,500 $ 27,819 Foreign 207,289 221,807 168,555 Total $ 239,715 $ 282,307 $ 196,374
Schedule Of Provision For Income Taxes	Fiscal Year Ended September 25, September 27, September 28, Current: Federal $ (48,517) $ 14,144 $ 40,624 State 735 394 333 Foreign 61,153 64,335 59,383 Total current 13,371 78,873 100,340 Deferred: Federal (4,674) (55,793) 43,377 State (111) 1,007 17,484 Foreign (490) 2,715 (7,132) Total deferred (5,275) (52,071) 53,729 Provision for income taxes $ 8,096 $ 26,802 $ 154,069
Summary Of Tax Effects Of The Temporary Differences Between Carrying Amounts And Amounts Used For Tax	A summary of the tax effects of the temporary differences were as follows (in thousands): Fiscal Year Ended September 25, September 27, Deferred income tax assets: Investments $ 1,899 $ 2,099 Inventories 6,863 4,041 Net operating loss 3,450 2,050 Accrued expenses 13,839 13,917 Stock-based compensation 17,397 17,189 Revenue recognition 4,374 4,410 Depreciation and amortization 45,572 19,988 Lease liability 17,655 — Research and development credits 31,795 28,777 Foreign tax credits 12,161 10,777 Deemed repatriated earnings tax benefit 9,788 33,357 Other 4,765 4,705 Total gross deferred income tax assets 169,558 141,310 Less: valuation allowance (30,416) (24,884) Total deferred income tax assets 139,142 116,426 Deferred income tax liabilities: Right of use asset (17,360) — Intangibles (2,901) (2,351) Deferred income tax assets, net $ 118,881 $ 114,075
Reconciliation Of Federal Statutory Tax Rate To Our Effective Tax Rate	A reconciliation of the federal statutory tax rate to our effective tax rate on income from continuing operations was as follows: Fiscal Year Ended September 25, September 27, September 28, Federal statutory rate 21.0 % 21.0 % 24.6 % State income taxes, net of federal effect 0.2 0.2 0.7 Stock-based compensation (2.7) (1.9) (5.2) Research and development tax credits (3.0) (4.7) (4.0) Foreign-derived intangible income deduction (2.2) (0.7) — U.S. tax on foreign entities 3.1 0.6 — Foreign rate differential (1.8) (4.4) (9.4) Increase (decrease) unrecognized tax benefit (12.9) 3.4 3.7 Tax Act — (7.6) 53.3 Change in Valuation Allowance — 1.5 8.3 Other 1.7 2.1 6.5 Effective tax rate 3.4 % 9.5 % 78.5 %
Aggregate Changes In Balance Of Gross Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Excluding Interest And Penalties	Aggregate changes in the balance of gross unrecognized tax benefits, excluding interest and penalties, were as follows (in thousands): Fiscal Year Ended September 25, September 27, September 28, Beginning Balance $ 108,539 $ 102,009 $ 98,665 Gross increases - tax positions taken during prior years 5,504 115 — Gross decreases - tax positions taken during prior years — — (2,209) Gross increases - tax positions taken during current year 7,509 6,822 9,580 Gross decreases - settlements with tax authorities during current year (37) — (130) Lapse of statute of limitations (60,824) (407) (3,897) Ending Balance $ 60,691 $ 108,539 $ 102,009
Schedule of Accrued Interest and Penalties on Unrecognized Tax Benefits	Our accrued interest and penalties on unrecognized tax benefits as of September 25, 2020 and September 27, 2019 were as follows (in thousands): Fiscal Year Ended September 25, September 27, Accrued interest $ 4,017 $ 10,315 Accrued penalties 45 44 Total $ 4,062 $ 10,359

Restructuring (Tables)

Restructuring (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 25, 2020
Restructuring Charges [Abstract]
Restructuring and Related Costs	The table presented below summarizes changes in restructuring accruals under these plans (in thousands): Severance Leased facility exit costs Fixed assets write-off Other associated costs Total Balance at September 27, 2019 $ 128 $ 15,723 $ — $ — $ 15,851 Restructuring charges — 1,821 — — 1,821 Cash payments (75) (22,119) — — (22,194) Non-cash and other adjustments (53) 4,575 — — 4,522 Balance at September 25, 2020 $ — $ — $ — $ — $ —

Commitments And Contingencies (

Commitments And Contingencies (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 25, 2020
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule Of Contractual Obligations And Commitments	The following table presents a summary of our contractual obligations and commitments as of September 25, 2020 (in thousands): Payments Due By Fiscal Period Fiscal Fiscal Fiscal Fiscal Fiscal Thereafter Total Naming rights $ 7,915 $ 8,015 $ 8,116 $ 8,219 $ 8,322 $ 61,277 $ 101,864 Purchase obligations 17,305 2,991 139 — — — 20,435 Donation commitments 4,803 155 155 155 155 1,002 6,425 Total $ 30,023 $ 11,161 $ 8,410 $ 8,374 $ 8,477 $ 62,279 $ 128,724

Operating Segments and Geogra_2

Operating Segments and Geographic Data (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 25, 2020
Segments, Geographical Areas [Abstract]
Revenue By Geographic Region	Revenue Category Basis For Determining Geographic Location Licensing Region in which our licensees’ headquarters are located Products Destination to which our products are shipped Services Location in which the relevant services are performed The following tables present selected information regarding total revenue by geographic location (amounts presented in thousands). Revenue Composition - United States & International Fiscal Year Ended Location September 25, September 27, September 28, United States $ 460,972 $ 449,203 $ 353,235 International 700,820 792,417 701,365 Total revenue $ 1,161,792 $ 1,241,620 $ 1,054,600
Schedule Of Concentration Of Revenue From Individual Geographic Regions	Revenue Concentration - Significant Individual Geographic Regions Fiscal Year Ended Location September 25, September 27, September 28, United States 40 % 36 % 33 % South Korea 12 % 12 % 17 % China 20 % 20 % 15 % Japan 9 % 11 % 13 % Europe 10 % 12 % 12 % Taiwan 2 % 4 % 3 % Other 7 % 5 % 7 % Total 100 % 100 % 100 %
Schedule Of Long-Lived Tangible Assets, Net Of Accumulated Depreciation, By Geographic Region	Long-lived tangible assets, net of accumulated depreciation, by geographic region were as follows (in thousands): Location September 25, September 27, United States $ 453,889 $ 460,370 International 88,074 77,062 Total long-lived tangible assets, net of accumulated depreciation $ 541,963 $ 537,432

Related Party Transactions (Tab

Related Party Transactions (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 25, 2020
Related Party Transactions [Abstract]
Schedule Of Ownership Interest In The Consolidated Affiliated Entities	Our interests in these consolidated affiliated entities and the location of the property leased to Dolby Laboratories as of September 25, 2020 were as follows: Entity Name Minority Ownership Interest Location Of Properties Dolby Properties Brisbane, LLC 49.0 % Brisbane, California Dolby Properties Burbank, LLC 49.0 % Burbank, California Dolby Properties, LP 10.0 % Wootton Bassett, England We lease from our principal stockholder a commercial office building located at 100 Potrero Avenue in San Francisco, California under a term that expires on October 31, 2024. In fiscal 2019, we ceased occupancy of the facility, and do not intend to re-occupy the locations. As a result of our ceased occupancy, we incurred $33.5 million in restructuring charges recorded as operating expenses in our consolidated statement of operations. Related party rent expense included in operating expenses in our consolidated statements of operations were as follows (in thousands): Fiscal Year Ended September 25, September 27, September 28, Related party rent expense and restructuring charges included in operating expenses $ 126 $ 16,360 $ 3,483 Distributions. Distributions made by the jointly-owned real estate entities to our principal stockholder were as follows (in thousands): Fiscal Year Ended September 25, September 27, September 28, Distributions to principal stockholder $ (283) $ (1,015) $ (1,022)

Retirement Plans Retirement Pla

Retirement Plans Retirement Plans (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 25, 2020
Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits Cost (Reversal of Cost) [Abstract]
Schedule of Costs of Retirement Plans	Retirement plan expenses, which are included in cost of products, cost of services, R&D, S&M, and G&A expense in our consolidated statements of operations, were as follows (in thousands): Fiscal Year Ended September 25, September 27, September 28, Retirement plan expenses $ 25,257 $ 23,375 $ 23,439

Selected Quarterly Financial _2

Selected Quarterly Financial Data (unaudited) (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 25, 2020
Quarterly Financial Data [Abstract]
Schedule Of Selected Quarterly Financial Data	The following table presents selected unaudited quarterly financial information from fiscal 2020 and 2019 (in thousands, except per share amounts): Fiscal Year 2020 Fiscal Year 2019 Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Revenue: Licensing $ 257,683 $ 328,865 $ 235,125 $ 256,904 $ 260,279 $ 310,308 $ 271,897 $ 264,796 Products and services 34,194 22,950 11,784 14,287 42,097 27,950 30,262 34,031 Total revenue 291,877 351,815 246,909 271,191 302,376 338,258 302,159 298,827 Cost of revenue 37,315 36,830 29,888 42,465 38,629 36,575 39,690 45,960 Gross margin 254,562 314,985 217,021 228,726 263,747 301,683 262,469 252,867 Income/(loss) before taxes and controlling interest 54,454 110,779 39,990 34,492 74,254 110,002 41,800 56,251 Net income/(loss) attributable to Dolby Laboratories $ 48,753 $ 88,496 $ 67,285 $ 26,829 $ 98,219 $ 73,440 $ 39,574 $ 43,918 Earnings per share: Basic $ 0.49 $ 0.88 $ 0.67 $ 0.27 $ 0.96 $ 0.72 $ 0.39 $ 0.44 Diluted $ 0.47 $ 0.86 $ 0.66 $ 0.26 $ 0.93 $ 0.70 $ 0.38 $ 0.43 Weighted-average shares outstanding: Basic 100,336 100,854 100,593 100,473 102,677 102,141 101,218 100,481 Diluted 103,078 102,773 102,075 102,722 106,130 104,587 103,717 102,945

Summary Of Significant Accoun_4

Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 25, 2020	Sep. 27, 2019	Sep. 28, 2018	Sep. 28, 2019
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Maximum credit exposure (percent)	5.00%
Advertising expense	$ 61,125	$ 49,118	$ 49,519
Transaction and re-measurement gains/losses	(1,361)	(260)	$ (823)
Operating lease right-of-use assets	76,515	0		$ 62,100
Operating lease liabilities	$ 81,137			$ 64,600
Minimum [Member]
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Intangible assets with definite lives, useful life, minimum years	3 years
Minimum [Member] | Internal Use Software [Member]
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Intangible assets with definite lives, useful life, minimum years	3 years
Maximum [Member]
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Intangible assets with definite lives, useful life, minimum years	18 years
Maximum [Member] | Internal Use Software [Member]
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Intangible assets with definite lives, useful life, minimum years	5 years
Foreign Exchange Forward [Member]
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Notional amount of derivative	$ 26,800	$ 22,000

Summary Of Significant Accoun_5

Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies (Schedule Of Property, Plant, And Equipment, Estimated Useful Life) (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 25, 2020
Minimum [Member] | Systems And Software [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant, and equipment, useful life, years	3 years
Minimum [Member] | Machinery And Equipment [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant, and equipment, useful life, years	3 years
Minimum [Member] | Furniture And Fixtures [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant, and equipment, useful life, years	5 years
Minimum [Member] | Buildings [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant, and equipment, useful life, years	20 years
Maximum [Member] | Systems And Software [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant, and equipment, useful life, years	5 years
Maximum [Member] | Machinery And Equipment [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant, and equipment, useful life, years	8 years
Maximum [Member] | Furniture And Fixtures [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant, and equipment, useful life, years	8 years
Maximum [Member] | Equipment provided under operating leases [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant, and equipment, useful life, years	15 years
Maximum [Member] | Buildings [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant, and equipment, useful life, years	40 years

Revenue Recognition (Narrative)

Revenue Recognition (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended				12 Months Ended
	Sep. 25, 2020	Jun. 26, 2020	Mar. 27, 2020	Dec. 27, 2019	Sep. 25, 2020
Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract]
Expected timing of satisfaction period, or less					1 year
Revenue adjustment	$ 26	$ 11	$ 7	$ 9
Revenue recognized					$ 17.7

Revenue Recognition (Performanc

Revenue Recognition (Performance Obligation) (Details) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 25, 2020USD ($)country
Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract]
Remaining performance obligation | $	$ 37.9
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Line Items]
Countries technologies are licensed in | country	60
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction, Start Date [Axis]: 2021-01-01
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Line Items]
Expected timing of satisfaction period	1 year
Remaining performance obligation, percent	38.00%
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction, Start Date [Axis]: 2022-01-01
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Line Items]
Expected timing of satisfaction period	1 year
Remaining performance obligation, percent	22.00%
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction, Start Date [Axis]: 2023-01-01
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Line Items]
Expected timing of satisfaction period	1 year
Remaining performance obligation, percent	40.00%

Revenue Recognition (Schedule o

Revenue Recognition (Schedule of Disaggregation of Revenue) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Sep. 25, 2020	Jun. 26, 2020	Mar. 27, 2020	Dec. 27, 2019	Sep. 27, 2019	Jun. 28, 2019	Mar. 29, 2019	Dec. 28, 2018	Sep. 25, 2020	Sep. 27, 2019	Sep. 28, 2018
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Revenue from contract with customer									$ 1,161,792	$ 1,241,620
Revenue from contract with customer, percent									100.00%	100.00%
United States
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Revenue from contract with customer									$ 460,972	$ 449,203
Revenue from contract with customer, percent									40.00%	36.00%
International
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Revenue from contract with customer									$ 700,820	$ 792,417
Revenue from contract with customer, percent									60.00%	64.00%
Licensing
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Revenue from contract with customer	$ 256,904	$ 235,125	$ 328,865	$ 257,683	$ 264,796	$ 271,897	$ 310,308	$ 260,279	$ 1,078,577	$ 1,107,280	$ 940,777
Revenue from contract with customer, percent									93.00%	89.00%
Revenue from contract with customer, licensing percent									100.00%	100.00%
Products and services
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Revenue from contract with customer									$ 83,215	$ 134,340	$ 113,823
Revenue from contract with customer, percent									7.00%	11.00%
Broadcast
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Revenue from contract with customer									$ 439,415	$ 474,147
Revenue from contract with customer, licensing percent									41.00%	43.00%
Mobile
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Revenue from contract with customer									$ 226,972	$ 193,052
Revenue from contract with customer, licensing percent									21.00%	17.00%
CE
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Revenue from contract with customer									$ 152,608	$ 154,399
Revenue from contract with customer, licensing percent									14.00%	14.00%
PC
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Revenue from contract with customer									$ 132,302	$ 113,597
Revenue from contract with customer, licensing percent									12.00%	10.00%
Other
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Revenue from contract with customer									$ 127,280	$ 172,085
Revenue from contract with customer, licensing percent									12.00%	16.00%

Revenue Recognition (Summary of

Revenue Recognition (Summary of Contract Assets and Liabilities) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 25, 2020	Sep. 27, 2019
Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract]
Accounts receivable, net	$ 180,340	$ 189,115
Contract assets	161,357	195,651
Other non-current assets	91,245	93,395
Contract liabilities	15,436	19,991
Non-current contract liabilities	24,342	24,404
Other non-current liabilities	122,154	$ 177,462
Change ($)
Accounts receivable, net	(8,775)
Contract assets	(34,294)
Contract liabilities - current	(4,555)
Contract liabilities - non-current	$ (62)
Change (%)
Accounts receivable, net	(5.00%)
Contract assets	(18.00%)
Contract liabilities - current	(23.00%)
Contract liabilities - non-current	0.00%

Composition Of Certain Financ_3

Composition Of Certain Financial Statement Captions (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 25, 2020	Sep. 27, 2019
Composition Of Certain Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Unbilled accounts receivable	$ 62,100	$ 82,300
Raw materials	3,770	8,031
Other Noncurrent Assets [Member]
Composition Of Certain Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Raw materials	2,600	$ 3,000
Land and Building [Member] | Other Current Assets [Member]
Composition Of Certain Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Land and buildings held for sale	$ 2,200

Composition Of Certain Financ_4

Composition Of Certain Financial Statement Captions (Schedule Of Accounts Receivable) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 25, 2020	Sep. 27, 2019
Composition Of Certain Financial Statement Captions [Abstract]
Trade accounts receivable	$ 147,618	$ 151,996
Accounts receivable from patent administration program partners	48,630	46,894
Accounts receivable, gross	196,248	198,890
Less: allowance for doubtful accounts	(15,908)	(9,775)
Total	$ 180,340	$ 189,115

Composition Of Certain Financ_5

Composition Of Certain Financial Statement Captions (Schedule Of Allowance For Doubtful Accounts) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 25, 2020	Sep. 27, 2019	Sep. 28, 2018
SEC Schedule, 12-09, Movement in Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Roll Forward]
Balance at Beginning of Fiscal Year	$ 9,775	$ 5,258	$ 2,967
Charged to Operations	7,689	4,523	2,413
Deductions	(1,556)	(6)	(122)
Balance at End of Fiscal Year	$ 15,908	$ 9,775	$ 5,258

Composition Of Certain Financ_6

Composition Of Certain Financial Statement Captions (Schedule Of Inventories) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 25, 2020	Sep. 27, 2019
Composition Of Certain Financial Statement Captions [Abstract]
Raw materials	$ 3,770	$ 8,031
Work in process	9,214	4,872
Finished goods	12,566	19,428
Inventories	$ 25,550	$ 32,331

Composition Of Certain Financ_7

Composition Of Certain Financial Statement Captions (Schedule Of Prepaid Expenses And Other Current Assets) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 25, 2020	Sep. 27, 2019
Composition Of Certain Financial Statement Captions [Abstract]
Prepaid assets	$ 17,884	$ 17,997
Other current assets	35,138	21,707
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	$ 53,022	$ 39,704

Composition Of Certain Financ_8

Composition Of Certain Financial Statement Captions (Schedule Of Accrued Liabilities) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 25, 2020	Sep. 27, 2019
Composition Of Certain Financial Statement Captions [Abstract]
Accrued royalties	$ 901	$ 2,957
Amounts payable to joint licensing program partners	60,427	58,899
Accrued compensation and benefits	89,684	78,716
Accrued professional fees	10,344	19,216
Unpaid PP&E additions	15,102	15,332
Other accrued liabilities	33,463	68,725
Accrued liabilities	219,974	268,144
Contract with Customer, Refund Liability	$ 10,053	$ 24,299

Composition Of Certain Financ_9

Composition Of Certain Financial Statement Captions (Schedule Of Other Non-Current Liabilities) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 25, 2020	Sep. 27, 2019
Composition Of Certain Financial Statement Captions [Abstract]
Supplemental retirement plan obligations	$ 4,181	$ 3,466
Non-current tax liabilities	85,943	136,323
Other liabilities	32,030	37,673
Other non-current liabilities	$ 122,154	$ 177,462

Investments and Fair Value Me_2

Investments and Fair Value Measurements (Schedule Of Financial Assets Carried At Fair Value) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		12 Months Ended
		Sep. 25, 2020		Sep. 27, 2019
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value		$ 1,071,876
Cash				$ 797,210
Short-term investments, cost		309,067		413,927
Short-term investments, unrealized losses		0		0
Short term investments, total		310,058		416,210
Long-term investments, unrealized gains		0
Total cash, cash equivalents, and investments, cost		1,169,983		1,093,659
Total cash, cash equivalents, and investments, unrealized gains		1,006		2,341
Total cash, cash equivalents, and investments, unrealized losses		(16)		(57)
Total cash, cash equivalents, and investments, total		1,170,973		1,095,943
Assets		1,071,876		797,210
Government bonds
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Cash				653
Short-term investments, cost		125
Short term investments, total		125
Long-term investments, unrealized gains		0
Long-term investments, unrealized losses		0
Corporate bonds
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Cash				1,000
Municipal debt securities
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Total cash, cash equivalents, and investments, cost		2,505		9,552
Other long-term investments
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Long-term investments		4,200		1,700
Short-term investments
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Short-term investments, cost				118,978
Short-term investments, unrealized gains				219
Short-term investments, unrealized losses				(51)
Short term investments, total				119,146
Long-term investments
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Long-term investments, cost				177,471
Long-term investments, unrealized gains				2,122
Long-term investments, unrealized losses				(6)
U.S. agency securities
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Short-term investments, unrealized gains		12
Short-term investments, unrealized losses		0
Short term investments, total		1,011
Cash
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value		856,740
Cash		856,740		680,287
Money market funds
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value		214,111
Cash		214,111		115,270
Commercial paper
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value		900
Cash		900
Level 1
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Cash		1,070,976		796,210
Assets		1,073,979		821,664
Currency derivatives as hedge instruments, liabilities		0		0
Level 1 | Other Current Assets [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Currency derivatives as hedge instruments, assets		0
Level 1 | Other Noncurrent Assets [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Currency derivatives as hedge instruments, assets		0
Level 1 | Government bonds
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Cash		125		653
Level 1 | Investments held in supplemental retirement plan:
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Assets		4,279		3,564
Liabilities		4,279		3,564
Level 1 | Cash
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Cash		856,740		680,287
Level 1 | Money market funds
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Cash		214,111		115,270
Level 2
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Cash		900		1,000
Assets		92,818		272,548
Currency derivatives as hedge instruments, liabilities		(79)		(242)
Level 2 | Other Current Assets [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Currency derivatives as hedge instruments, assets		4,267
Level 2 | Other Noncurrent Assets [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Currency derivatives as hedge instruments, assets		369
Level 2 | Government bonds
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Cash		0
Level 2 | Commercial paper
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Cash		900
Level 2 | Corporate bonds
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Cash				1,000
Level 2 | U.S. agency securities
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Short-term investments		1,011
Level 3
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Assets		0		0
Currency derivatives as hedge instruments, liabilities		0		0
Level 3 | Other Current Assets [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Currency derivatives as hedge instruments, assets		0
Level 3 | Other Noncurrent Assets [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Currency derivatives as hedge instruments, assets		0
Short-term investments | Government bonds
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Short-term investments, cost		5,118		8,381
Short-term investments, unrealized gains		47		11
Short-term investments, unrealized losses		0		(1)
Short term investments, total		5,165		8,391
Short-term investments | U.S. agency securities
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Short-term investments, cost				10,973
Short-term investments | Commercial paper
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Short-term investments, cost		4,727		6,347
Short-term investments, unrealized gains		4		9
Short-term investments, unrealized losses		0		0
Short term investments, total		4,731		6,356
Short-term investments | Corporate bonds
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Short-term investments, cost		18,754		76,802
Short-term investments, unrealized gains		87		172
Short-term investments, unrealized losses		(3)		(34)
Short term investments, total		18,838		76,940
Short-term investments | Municipal debt securities
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Short-term investments, cost		14,828		15,210
Short-term investments, unrealized gains		97		18
Short-term investments, unrealized losses		0		(7)
Short term investments, total		14,925		15,221
Short-term investments | Short-term investments
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Short-term investments, cost		46,703
Short-term investments, unrealized gains		248
Short-term investments, unrealized losses		(3)
Short term investments, total		46,948
Short-term investments | Certificates of Deposit
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Short-term investments, cost		2,277		1,265
Short-term investments, unrealized gains		1		1
Short-term investments, unrealized losses		0		0
Short term investments, total		2,278		1,266
Short-term investments | U.S. agency securities
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Short-term investments, cost		999
Short-term investments, unrealized gains				8
Short-term investments, unrealized losses				(9)
Short term investments, total				10,972
Short-term investments | Level 1
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Short-term investments		1,370		5,784
Short-term investments | Level 1 | Government bonds
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Short-term investments		1,370		5,784
Short-term investments | Level 2
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Short-term investments		45,578		113,362
Short-term investments | Level 2 | Government bonds
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Short-term investments		3,795		2,607
Short-term investments | Level 2 | Commercial paper
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Short-term investments		4,731		6,356
Short-term investments | Level 2 | Corporate bonds
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Short-term investments		18,838		76,940
Short-term investments | Level 2 | Municipal debt securities
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Short-term investments		14,925		15,221
Short-term investments | Level 2 | Certificates of Deposit
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Short-term investments		2,278		1,266
Short-term investments | Level 2 | U.S. agency securities
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Short-term investments				10,972
Long-term investments
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Long-term investments, total				179,587
Long-term investments | Government bonds
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Long-term investments, cost		5,137		23,563
Long-term investments, unrealized gains		80		187
Long-term investments, unrealized losses		0		0
Long-term investments, total		5,217		23,750
Long-term investments | Asset backed securities
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Long-term investments, cost				400
Long-term investments, unrealized gains				2
Long-term investments, unrealized losses				0
Long-term investments, total				402
Long-term investments | U.S. agency securities
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Long-term investments, cost		2,214		7,102
Long-term investments, unrealized gains		56		146
Long-term investments, unrealized losses		0		0
Long-term investments, total		2,270		7,248
Long-term investments | Corporate bonds
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Long-term investments, cost		24,657		134,360
Long-term investments, unrealized gains		419		1,700
Long-term investments, unrealized losses		(7)		0
Long-term investments, total		25,069		136,060
Long-term investments | Municipal debt securities
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Long-term investments, cost		15,220		10,315
Long-term investments, unrealized gains		203		87
Long-term investments, unrealized losses		(6)		(6)
Long-term investments, total		15,417		10,396
Long-term investments | Other long-term investments
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Long-term investments, cost		4,176	[1]	1,731	[2]
Long-term investments, unrealized gains		0	[1]	0	[2]
Long-term investments, unrealized losses		0	[1]	0	[2]
Long-term investments, total		4,176	[1]	1,731	[2]
Long-term investments | Long-term investments
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Long-term investments, cost		51,404
Long-term investments, unrealized gains		758
Long-term investments, unrealized losses		(13)
Long-term investments, total		52,149
Long-term investments | Level 1
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Long-term investments		1,633		19,670
Long-term investments | Level 1 | Government bonds
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Long-term investments		1,633		19,670
Long-term investments | Level 1 | Other long-term investments
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Long-term investments	[2]			0
Long-term investments | Level 2
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Long-term investments		46,340		158,186
Long-term investments | Level 2 | Government bonds
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Long-term investments		3,584		4,080
Long-term investments | Level 2 | Asset backed securities
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Long-term investments				402
Long-term investments | Level 2 | U.S. agency securities
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Long-term investments		2,270		7,248
Long-term investments | Level 2 | Corporate bonds
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Long-term investments		25,069		136,060
Long-term investments | Level 2 | Municipal debt securities
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Long-term investments		15,417		10,396
Liabilities: Included in other accrued expenses
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Currency derivatives as hedge instruments, unrealized gains		0		0
Currency derivatives as hedge instruments, unrealized loss		(79)		(242)
Currency derivatives as hedge instruments, liabilities, cost		0		0
Currency derivatives as hedge instruments, liabilities		(79)		$ (242)
Assets: Included in other current assets | Other Current Assets [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Currency derivatives as hedge instruments, assets, cost		0
Currency derivatives as hedge instruments, unrealized gains		4,267
Currency derivatives as hedge instruments, unrealized loss		0
Currency derivatives as hedge instruments, assets		4,267
Assets: Included in other current assets | Other Noncurrent Assets [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Currency derivatives as hedge instruments, assets, cost		0
Currency derivatives as hedge instruments, unrealized gains		369
Currency derivatives as hedge instruments, unrealized loss		0
Currency derivatives as hedge instruments, assets		$ 369
[1]	Other long-term investments as of September 25, 2020 is comprised of one equity method investment which is not carried at fair value of $4.2 million.
[2]	Other long-term investments as of September 27, 2019 is comprised of one equity method investment which is not carried at fair value of $1.7 million.

Investments and Fair Value Me_3

Investments and Fair Value Measurements (Unrealized Loss Position) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 25, 2020	Sep. 27, 2019
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Cash		$ 797,210
Long-term investments, unrealized gains	$ 0
Short-term investments, cost	309,067	413,927
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Unrealized Loss	0	0
Short term investments, total	310,058	416,210
Fair Value	9,581	18,925
Gross Unrealized Losses	(16)	(16)
Greater than 12 months, Fair Value	0	32,765
Greater than 12 months, Gross Unrealized Losses	0	(41)
Investment Owned, at Cost	1,169,983	1,093,659
Investment Owned, Unrecognized Unrealized Appreciation	(1,006)	(2,341)
Long-term investments
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Long-term investments, unrealized gains		2,122
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Loss		6
Certificates of Deposit
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Fair Value	0	300
Gross Unrealized Losses	0	0
Greater than 12 months, Fair Value	0	0
Greater than 12 months, Gross Unrealized Losses	0	0
U.S. agency securities
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Fair Value	0	0
Gross Unrealized Losses	0	0
Greater than 12 months, Fair Value	0	4,787
Greater than 12 months, Gross Unrealized Losses	0	(9)
Corporate bonds
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Cash		1,000
Fair Value	7,076	7,647
Gross Unrealized Losses	(10)	(3)
Greater than 12 months, Fair Value	0	27,078
Greater than 12 months, Gross Unrealized Losses	0	(32)
Municipal debt securities
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Gross Unrealized Losses	(6)	(13)
Greater than 12 months, Fair Value	0	900
Greater than 12 months, Gross Unrealized Losses	0	0
Investment Owned, at Cost	2,505	9,552
Government bonds
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Cash		653
Long-term investments, unrealized gains	0
Short-term investments, cost	125
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Loss	0
Short term investments, total	125
Fair Value	0	1,426
Gross Unrealized Losses	0	0
Greater than 12 months, Fair Value	0	0
Greater than 12 months, Gross Unrealized Losses	0	0
Short-term investments | Certificates of Deposit
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Short-term investments, cost	2,277	1,265
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Unrealized Loss	0	0
Short term investments, total	2,278	1,266
Short-term investments | U.S. agency securities
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Short-term investments, cost		10,973
Short-term investments | Corporate bonds
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Short-term investments, cost	18,754	76,802
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Unrealized Loss	3	34
Short term investments, total	18,838	76,940
Short-term investments | Municipal debt securities
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Short-term investments, cost	14,828	15,210
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Unrealized Loss	0	7
Short term investments, total	14,925	15,221
Short-term investments | Government bonds
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Short-term investments, cost	5,118	8,381
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Unrealized Loss	0	1
Short term investments, total	5,165	8,391
Short-term investments | Commercial paper
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Short-term investments, cost	4,727	6,347
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Unrealized Loss	0	0
Short term investments, total	4,731	6,356
Long-term investments | Long-term investments
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Long-term investments, unrealized gains	758
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Loss	13
Long-term investments | U.S. agency securities
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Long-term investments, unrealized gains	56	146
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Loss	0	0
Long-term investments | Corporate bonds
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Long-term investments, unrealized gains	419	1,700
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Loss	7	0
Long-term investments | Municipal debt securities
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Long-term investments, unrealized gains	203	87
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Loss	6	6
Long-term investments | Government bonds
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Long-term investments, unrealized gains	80	187
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Loss	$ 0	$ 0

Investments and Fair Value Me_4

Investments and Fair Value Measurements Investments and Fair Value Measurements (Investment Maturities) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 25, 2020	Sep. 27, 2019
Amortized Cost
Due within 1 year	$ 261,839	$ 238,186
Due in 1 to 2 years	29,328	93,948
Due in 2 to 3 years	17,900	81,793
Total	309,067	413,927
Fair Value
Due within 1 year	262,085	238,354
Due in 1 to 2 years	29,814	94,899
Due in 2 to 3 years	18,159	82,957
Total	$ 310,058	$ 416,210

Property, Plant & Equipment (De

Property, Plant & Equipment (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 25, 2020	Sep. 27, 2019	Sep. 28, 2018
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross	$ 1,018,029	$ 954,731
Less: accumulated depreciation	(476,066)	(417,299)
Property, Plant And Equipment, Net	541,963	537,432
Depreciation	61,400	55,500	$ 54,800
Land [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross	41,955	41,918
Building [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross	283,617	282,924
Leasehold Improvements [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross	83,764	66,730
Machinery and Equipment [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross	126,942	128,525
Computer Systems and Software [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross	230,800	219,455
Furniture and Fixtures [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross	31,845	34,191
Cinema equipment provided under operating leases [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross	199,561	161,372
Construction in Progress [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross	$ 19,545	$ 19,616

Leases (Narrative) (Details)

Leases (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 25, 2020	Sep. 27, 2019	Sep. 28, 2018
Lessor, Lease, Description [Line Items]
Lesse lease term	12 years
Lessee lease renewal term	9 years
Lessee lease termination period	1 year
Operating leases, rent expense, net		$ 20,600	$ 17,200
Variable operating lease income	$ 10,400
Fixed operating lease income	3,700
Unguaranteed residual value of sales-type leases	$ 700
Minimum [Member]
Lessor, Lease, Description [Line Items]
Lessor lease term	4 years
Lessor lease renewal term	1 year
Maximum [Member]
Lessor, Lease, Description [Line Items]
Lessor lease term	10 years
Lessor lease renewal term	5 years

Leases (Lease Cost Components)

Leases (Lease Cost Components) (Details) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 25, 2020USD ($)
Leases [Abstract]
Operating lease cost	$ 23,570
Variable lease cost	1,175
Total lease cost	$ 24,745

Leases (Supplemental Cash Flow

Leases (Supplemental Cash Flow Information Schedule) (Details) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 25, 2020USD ($)
Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities:
Operating cash flows from operating leases	$ 22,043
Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for lease obligations:
Operating lease liabilities	$ 34,198

Leases (Supplemental Balance Sh

Leases (Supplemental Balance Sheet Information Schedule) (Details)	Sep. 25, 2020
Operating Leases
Weighted-average remaining lease term	6 years 6 months
Weighted-average discount rate	3.10%

Leases (Maturities of Lessee Le

Leases (Maturities of Lessee Lease Liabilities Schedule) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 25, 2020	Sep. 28, 2019	Sep. 27, 2019
Operating Lease After Adoption of 842
Fiscal 2021	$ 18,098
Fiscal 2022	14,868
Fiscal 2023	13,299
Fiscal 2024	12,718
Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, to be Paid, Year Five	8,898
Thereafter	22,484
Total undiscounted lease payments	90,365		$ 56,823
Less: imputed interest	(9,228)
Total lease liabilities	$ 81,137	$ 64,600
Operating leases
Remainder of Fiscal 2020			17,231
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Two Years			9,329
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Three Years			7,191
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Four Years			6,218
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Five Years			4,499
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due Thereafter			$ 12,355

Leases (Maturities of Lessor Le

Leases (Maturities of Lessor Lease Payments Schedule) (Details) $ in Thousands	Sep. 25, 2020USD ($)
Lessor, Operating Lease, Payments, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]
Fiscal 2021	$ 3,393
Fiscal 2022	3,354
Fiscal 2023	1,821
Fiscal 2024	78
Thereafter	346
Total undiscounted cash flows	12,353
Sales-type and Direct Financing Leases, Lease Receivable, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]
Remainder of Fiscal 2020	1,605
Fiscal 2021	1,605
Fiscal 2022	1,603
Fiscal 2023	796
Fiscal 2024	395
Thereafter	395
Total undiscounted cash flows	6,399
Less: present value of lease payments (recognized as lease receivables)	(4,821)
Difference	1,578
Lessor, Operating Lease, Payments to be Received, Next Rolling Twelve Months	$ 3,361

Goodwill & Intangible Assets (D

Goodwill & Intangible Assets (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 25, 2020	Sep. 27, 2019	Sep. 28, 2018
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Goodwill, Acquired During Period	$ 0	$ 9,367
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Goodwill	334,829	327,982
Goodwill, Translation and Purchase Accounting Adjustments	2,116	(2,520)
Goodwill	336,945	334,829	$ 327,982
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net [Abstract]
Cost	430,346	425,705
Accumulated Amortization	(277,915)	(244,814)
Net	152,431	180,891
Amortization of intangible assets	29,500	29,700	$ 26,500
Acquired patents and technology
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net [Abstract]
Cost	342,637	338,075
Accumulated Amortization	(206,123)	(176,867)
Net	136,514	161,208
Payments to acquire intangible assets	$ 2,900	$ 27,300
Weighted-average useful life	14 years	7 years 10 months 24 days
Customer relationships
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net [Abstract]
Cost	$ 64,740	$ 64,728
Accumulated Amortization	(49,062)	(45,510)
Net	15,678	19,218
Other intangibles
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net [Abstract]
Cost	22,969	22,902
Accumulated Amortization	(22,730)	(22,437)
Net	$ 239	$ 465

Goodwill & Intangible Assets -

Goodwill & Intangible Assets - Future Amortization of Intangible Assets (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 25, 2020	Sep. 27, 2019
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
2016	$ 30,913
2017	28,307
2018	23,929
2019	21,899
2020	6,845
Thereafter	40,538
Net	$ 152,431	$ 180,891

Stockholders' Equity And Stoc_3

Stockholders' Equity And Stock-Based Compensation (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($)

Dec. 15, 2018

Dec. 15, 2017

Dec. 15, 2016

Dec. 15, 2015

Jun. 28, 2013

Sep. 25, 2020

Sep. 27, 2019

Sep. 28, 2018

Oct. 31, 2010

Mar. 28, 2014

Jul. 31, 2019

Jul. 25, 2018

Jan. 25, 2017

Oct. 31, 2014

Feb. 29, 2012

Jul. 31, 2011

Jul. 31, 2010

Nov. 30, 2009

Stockholders' Equity And Stock-Based Compensation [Line Items]

Options outstanding to purchase

7,201,000

Percentage of vesting per year

50.00%

Estimated forfeiture rate, percent

9.74%

9.78%

9.91%

Stock authorized for repurchase

$ 2,000,000,000

$ 250,000,000

Remaining authorization to purchase additional shares

$ 187,000,000

Class A Common Stock [Member]

Stockholders' Equity And Stock-Based Compensation [Line Items]

Common stock, shares authorized (shares)

500,000,000

500,000,000

Common stock, shares issued (shares)

64,167,725

63,911,270

Class B Common Stock [Member]

Stockholders' Equity And Stock-Based Compensation [Line Items]

Common stock, shares authorized (shares)

500,000,000

500,000,000

Common stock, shares issued (shares)

36,128,720

36,229,820

2005 Stock Plan. [Member] | Class A Common Stock [Member]

Stockholders' Equity And Stock-Based Compensation [Line Items]

Shares authorized under plan

55,000,000

Options vested and exercisable

4,026,000

Options outstanding to purchase

6,599,000

Awards Granted Under 2005 Stock Plan Prior To February 2011 [Member]

Stockholders' Equity And Stock-Based Compensation [Line Items]

Terms for issuance of stock

2

Awards Granted Under 2005 Stock Plan From February 2011 [Member]

Stockholders' Equity And Stock-Based Compensation [Line Items]

Terms for issuance of stock

1.6

Employee Stock Purchase Plan [Member]

Stockholders' Equity And Stock-Based Compensation [Line Items]

Percentage of compensation withheld by employees to purchase common stock

10.00%

Common stock purchase price determined over percentage of closing price

15.00%

Employee Stock Purchase Plan [Member] | Class A Common Stock [Member]

Stockholders' Equity And Stock-Based Compensation [Line Items]

Maximum value of common stock available for eligible employees

$ 25,000

Maximum number of common stock available for eligible employees

1,000

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Purchase Period

6 months

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Look Back Commencement Period

1 year

Additional Stock Approved [Member]

Stockholders' Equity And Stock-Based Compensation [Line Items]

Stock authorized for repurchase

$ 350,000,000

$ 350,000,000

$ 200,000,000

$ 200,000,000

$ 100,000,000

$ 250,000,000

$ 300,000,000

Employee Stock Option [Member]

Stockholders' Equity And Stock-Based Compensation [Line Items]

Stock options expected to vest

$ 23,800,000

Employee stock options expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period

2 years 2 months 12 days

Employee Stock Option [Member] | Options Granted From June 2008 [Member]

Stockholders' Equity And Stock-Based Compensation [Line Items]

Options vesting period

36 months

4 years

Percentage of stock option becoming exercisable subjected to date of grant

25.00%

Performance-Based Stock Options [Member]

Stockholders' Equity And Stock-Based Compensation [Line Items]

Options vesting period

3 years

Performance-Based Stock Options [Member] | Minimum [Member]

Stockholders' Equity And Stock-Based Compensation [Line Items]

Percentage Of target award

0.00%

Performance-Based Stock Options [Member] | Maximum [Member]

Stockholders' Equity And Stock-Based Compensation [Line Items]

Percentage Of target award

125.00%

Restricted Stock Units [Member]

Stockholders' Equity And Stock-Based Compensation [Line Items]

Stock options expected to vest

$ 121,800,000

Employee stock options expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period

2 years 3 months 18 days

Performance-Based Restricted Stock Units [Member] | Minimum [Member]

Stockholders' Equity And Stock-Based Compensation [Line Items]

Percentage Of target award

0.00%

Performance-Based Restricted Stock Units [Member] | Maximum [Member]

Stockholders' Equity And Stock-Based Compensation [Line Items]

Percentage Of target award

200.00%

Executive Officer [Member] | Performance-Based Stock Options [Member]

Stockholders' Equity And Stock-Based Compensation [Line Items]

Percentage Of target award

125.00%

125.00%

125.00%

125.00%

125.00%

Grants in Period, Gross

241,100

264,000

276,199

Number of Exercisable Options

301,375

330,000

345,248

994,455

Options vested and exercisable

334,623

Options outstanding to purchase

726,639

Executive Officer [Member] | Performance-Based Restricted Stock Units [Member]

Stockholders' Equity And Stock-Based Compensation [Line Items]

Percentage Of target award

200.00%

Number of Exercisable Options

124,000

Options outstanding to purchase

62,000

Employee and Officer [Member] | Restricted Stock Units [Member]

Stockholders' Equity And Stock-Based Compensation [Line Items]

Options vesting period

4 years

Awards Granted Prior to November 2010 [Member] | Director [Member] | Restricted Stock Units [Member]

Stockholders' Equity And Stock-Based Compensation [Line Items]

Options vesting period

3 years

1 year

Awards Granted After November 2010 [Member] | Director [Member] | Restricted Stock Units [Member]

Stockholders' Equity And Stock-Based Compensation [Line Items]

Options vesting period

2 years

Stockholders' Equity And Stoc_4

Stockholders' Equity And Stock-Based Compensation (Summary Of Stock Options Issued To Officers, Directors, And Employees Under 2000 Stock Incentive Plan And 2005 Stock Plan) (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	Dec. 15, 2018	Dec. 15, 2017	Dec. 15, 2016	Jun. 28, 2013	Sep. 25, 2020	Dec. 15, 2015
Shares
Options outstanding at September 27, 2019					7,201,000
Grants					1,150,000
Exercises					(1,671,000)
Forfeitures and cancellations					(81,000)
Options vested and expected to vest at September 25, 2020					6,345,000
Weighted-Average Exercise Price
Options outstanding at September 27, 2019					$ 48.03
Grants					67.77
Exercises					40.16
Forfeitures and cancellations					62.20
Options outstanding at September 25, 2020					53.30
Options vested and expected to vest at September 25, 2020					52.80
Options exercisable at September 25, 2020					$ 45.98
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Additional Disclosures [Abstract]
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life, Options vested and expected to vest at September 28, 2012					6 years 1 month 6 days
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life, Options exercisable					5 years 2 months 12 days
Aggregate Intrinsic Value, Options outstanding					$ 80,636
Aggregate Intrinsic Value, Options vested and expected to vest					80,486
Aggregate Intrinsic Value, Options exercisable					$ 76,557
Year End Stock Price					$ 64.99
Two Thousand Five Stock Plan Member | Common Class A [Member]
Shares
Options outstanding at September 25, 2020					6,599,000
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Additional Disclosures [Abstract]
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life, Options outstanding					6 years 2 months 12 days
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Vested and Expected to Vest, Exercisable, Number					4,026,000
Awards Granted Under 2005 Stock Plan Prior To February 2011 [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Terms for issuance of stock					2
Awards Granted Under 2005 Stock Plan From February 2011 [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Terms for issuance of stock					1.6
Employee Stock Option [Member] | Options Granted From June 2008 [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Additional Disclosures [Abstract]
Options maximum vesting period, months				36 months	4 years
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Options Becoming Exercisable					25.00%
Performance-Based Stock Options [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Additional Disclosures [Abstract]
Options maximum vesting period, months					3 years
Performance-Based Stock Options [Member] | Executive Officer [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Grants in Period, Gross	241,100	264,000	276,199
Shares
Options outstanding at September 25, 2020					726,639
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Additional Disclosures [Abstract]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Vested and Expected to Vest, Exercisable, Number						334,623

Stockholders' Equity And Stoc_5

Stockholders' Equity And Stock-Based Compensation (Summary Of Restricted Stock Units Issued To Officers, Directors, And Employees Under 2005 Stock Incentive Plan) (Details) shares in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 25, 2020$ / sharesshares
Shares
Non-vested at September 27, 2019 | shares	2,805
Granted | shares	1,395
Vested | shares	(1,078)
Forfeitures | shares	(143)
Non-vested at September 25, 2020 | shares	2,979
Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value
Non-vested at September 27, 2019 | $ / shares	$ 58.84
Granted | $ / shares	65.76
Vested | $ / shares	52.71
Forfeitures | $ / shares	61.16
Non-vested at September 25, 2020 | $ / shares	$ 62.70

Stockholders' Equity And Stoc_6

Stockholders' Equity And Stock-Based Compensation (RSU Vest Date Fair Value) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 25, 2020	Sep. 27, 2019	Sep. 28, 2018
Stockholders' Equity And Stock-Based Compensation [Abstract]
Restricted stock units - vest date fair value	$ 72,426	$ 69,956	$ 64,755

Stockholders' Equity And Stoc_7

Stockholders' Equity And Stock-Based Compensation (Schedule Of Fair Value Of Stock-Based Awards Estimated Using Weighted-Average Assumptions) (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 25, 2020	Sep. 27, 2019	Sep. 28, 2018
Stockholders' Equity And Stock-Based Compensation [Abstract]
Expected life (in years)	4 years 10 months 28 days	4 years 10 months 24 days	5 years 21 days
Risk-free interest rate	1.60%	2.70%	2.20%
Expected stock price volatility	24.20%	22.90%	22.60%
Dividend yield	1.30%	1.10%	1.10%

Stockholders' Equity And Stoc_8

Stockholders' Equity And Stock-Based Compensation (Summary Of Weighted-Average Fair Value Of Stock Options Granted And Total Intrinsic Value Of Stock Options Exercised) (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 25, 2020	Sep. 27, 2019	Sep. 28, 2018
Stockholders' Equity And Stock-Based Compensation [Abstract]
Weighted-average fair value at date of grant	$ 13.76	$ 14.16	$ 13.19
Intrinsic value of options exercised	$ 47,267	$ 33,226	$ 63,973

Stockholders' Equity And Stoc_9

Stockholders' Equity And Stock-Based Compensation (Forfeiture Rates) (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 25, 2020	Sep. 27, 2019	Sep. 28, 2018
Stockholders' Equity And Stock-Based Compensation [Abstract]
Estimated forfeiture rate, percent	9.74%	9.78%	9.91%

Stockholders' Equity And Sto_10

Stockholders' Equity And Stock-Based Compensation (Schedule Of Stock-Based Compensation Expense By Plan) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 25, 2020	Sep. 27, 2019	Sep. 28, 2018
Stockholders' Equity And Stock-Based Compensation [Line Items]
Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense	$ 86,628	$ 76,580	$ 71,249
Share based compensation expense	86,628	76,580	71,249
Benefit from income taxes	(14,090)	(12,884)	(12,595)
Recognized tax benefit from the exercise of ISO and ESPP	409	353	577
Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense, Net of Tax	72,538	63,696	58,654
Stock Option [Member]
Stockholders' Equity And Stock-Based Compensation [Line Items]
Share based compensation expense	16,718	17,742	21,083
Restricted Stock Units [Member]
Stockholders' Equity And Stock-Based Compensation [Line Items]
Share based compensation expense	65,235	54,650	46,162
Employee Stock Purchase Plan [Member]
Stockholders' Equity And Stock-Based Compensation [Line Items]
Share based compensation expense	$ 4,675	$ 4,188	$ 4,004

Stockholders' Equity And Sto_11

Stockholders' Equity And Stock-Based Compensation (Schedule of Stock-Based Compensation By Classification) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 25, 2020	Sep. 27, 2019	Sep. 28, 2018
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]
Recognized tax benefit from the exercise of ISO and ESPP	$ 409	$ 353	$ 577
Stock-based compensation expense	86,628	76,580	71,249
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Tax Benefit from Compensation Expense	14,090	12,884	12,595
Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense, Net of Tax	72,538	63,696	58,654
Cost of products and services [Member]
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]
Stock-based compensation expense	2,072	1,710	1,574
Research and development [Member]
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]
Stock-based compensation expense	25,634	23,191	19,515
Sales and marketing [Member]
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]
Stock-based compensation expense	31,915	28,137	24,997
General and administrative [Member]
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]
Stock-based compensation expense	$ 27,007	$ 23,542	$ 25,163

Stockholders' Equity And Sto_12

Stockholders' Equity And Stock-Based Compensation (Stock Repurchase) (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended				12 Months Ended
	Sep. 25, 2020	Jun. 26, 2020	Mar. 27, 2020	Dec. 27, 2019	Sep. 25, 2020	Sep. 27, 2019	Sep. 28, 2018	Jul. 31, 2019	Jul. 25, 2018	Jan. 25, 2017	Oct. 31, 2014	Feb. 29, 2012	Jul. 31, 2011	Jul. 31, 2010	Nov. 30, 2009
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Stock Repurchase Program, Authorized Amount	$ 2,000,000				$ 2,000,000										$ 250,000
Shares repurchased (in shares)	642,696	474,340	1,015,481	432,042	2,564,559
Cost	$ 44,989	$ 27,081	$ 71,669	$ 30,003	$ 173,742	$ 340,585	$ 150,470
Average Price Paid per Share (in dollars per share)	$ 70	$ 57.09	$ 70.57	$ 69.44	$ 70
Additional Stock Approved [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Stock Repurchase Program, Authorized Amount								$ 350,000	$ 350,000	$ 200,000	$ 200,000	$ 100,000	$ 250,000	$ 300,000

Stockholders' Equity And Sto_13

Stockholders' Equity And Stock-Based Compensation Stockholders' Equity And Stock- Based Compensation - Dividends Declared (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Millions

Dec. 04, 2020

Nov. 12, 2020

Aug. 26, 2020

Aug. 03, 2020

May 27, 2020

May 04, 2020

Feb. 20, 2020

Jan. 29, 2020

Sep. 25, 2020

Sep. 27, 2019

Sep. 28, 2018

Dividends Payable [Line Items]

Cash dividend declared per common share

$ 0.22

$ 0.22

$ 0.22

$ 0.88

$ 0.79

$ 0.67

Dividends

$ 22.1

$ 22.1

$ 22.2

Subsequent Event [Member]

Dividends Payable [Line Items]

Cash dividend declared per common share

[1]

$ 0.22

Dividends

[1]

$ 22.1

[1]

The dividend payment amount is estimated based on the number of shares of our Class A and Class B common stock that we estimate will be outstanding as of the Record Date.

Accumulated Other Comprehensi_3

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		12 Months Ended
		Sep. 25, 2020		Sep. 27, 2019
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance		$ (20,625)		$ (15,832)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Reclassifications, before Tax		(123)		4,955
Income tax effect - benefit/(expense)		646		(402)
Net of tax		6,651		(4,947)
Realized gains/(losses)	[1]	4,045		133
Income tax effect - benefit/(expense)	[2]	(665)		21
Net of tax		3,380		154
Net current-period other comprehensive income/(loss)		10,031		(4,793)
Ending Balance		(10,594)		(20,625)
Investment Securities
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance		2,198		(2,948)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Reclassifications, before Tax		(5,393)		5,131
Income tax effect - benefit/(expense)		(87)		37
Net of tax		(5,480)		5,168
Realized gains/(losses)	[1]	4,939		(43)
Income tax effect - benefit/(expense)	[2]	(839)		21
Net of tax		4,100		(22)
Net current-period other comprehensive income/(loss)		(1,380)		5,146
Ending Balance		818		2,198
Cash Flow Hedges
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Reclassifications, before Tax		5,270		(176)
Income tax effect - benefit/(expense)		(581)
Net of tax		4,689		(176)
Realized gains/(losses)		(894)	[1]	176
Income tax effect - benefit/(expense)		174
Net of tax		(720)		176
Net current-period other comprehensive income/(loss)		3,969
Ending Balance		3,969
Currency Translation Adjustments
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance		(22,823)		(12,884)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Reclassifications, before Tax	[1]	7,420		(9,500)
Income tax effect - benefit/(expense)		22		(439)
Net of tax		7,442		(9,939)
Net current-period other comprehensive income/(loss)		7,442		(9,939)
Ending Balance		$ (15,381)		$ (22,823)
[1]	Realized gains or losses, if any, from the sale of our AFS investment securities or from foreign currency translation adjustments are included within other income/expense, net in our consolidated statements of operations
[2]	The income tax benefit or expense is included within provision for income taxes in our consolidated statements of operations.

Per Share Data (Details)

Per Share Data (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Sep. 25, 2020	Jun. 26, 2020	Mar. 27, 2020	Dec. 27, 2019	Sep. 27, 2019	Jun. 28, 2019	Mar. 29, 2019	Dec. 28, 2018	Sep. 25, 2020	Sep. 27, 2019	Sep. 28, 2018
Schedule Of Earnings Per Share Basic And Diluted [Line Items]
Net income attributable to Dolby Laboratories, Inc.	$ 26,829	$ 67,285	$ 88,496	$ 48,753	$ 43,918	$ 39,574	$ 73,440	$ 98,219	$ 231,363	$ 255,151	$ 41,746
Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Basic	100,473	100,593	100,854	100,336	100,481	101,218	102,141	102,677	100,564	101,629	103,377
Potential common shares from options to purchase Class A and Class B common stock									1,400	1,922	2,370
Potential common shares from restricted stock units									941	1,021	1,231
Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted	102,722	102,075	102,773	103,078	102,945	103,717	104,587	106,130	102,944	104,572	106,978
Basic (usd per share)	$ 0.27	$ 0.67	$ 0.88	$ 0.49	$ 0.44	$ 0.39	$ 0.72	$ 0.96	$ 2.30	$ 2.51	$ 0.40
Net income per share attributable to Dolby Laboratories, Inc. - Diluted	$ 0.26	$ 0.66	$ 0.86	$ 0.47	$ 0.43	$ 0.38	$ 0.70	$ 0.93	$ 2.25	$ 2.44	$ 0.39
Incremental Common Shares Attributable To Employee Stock Purchase Plan									39	0	0
Employee Stock [Member]
Schedule Of Earnings Per Share Basic And Diluted [Line Items]
Anti-dilutive securities, excluded from calculations									1	0	0
Employee Stock Option [Member]
Schedule Of Earnings Per Share Basic And Diluted [Line Items]
Anti-dilutive securities, excluded from calculations									3,209	2,340	1,043
Restricted Stock Units [Member]
Schedule Of Earnings Per Share Basic And Diluted [Line Items]
Anti-dilutive securities, excluded from calculations									2	1	6

Income Taxes (Narrative) (Detai

Income Taxes (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 25, 2020	Sep. 27, 2019	Sep. 28, 2018	Sep. 29, 2017
Tax Credit Carryforward [Line Items]
Foreign earnings repatriated	$ 300,000
Undistributed earnings of foreign subsidiaries	244,000
Net operating loss carryovers for federal tax purposes	4,500
Net operating loss carryovers for California tax purposes	9,000
NOL's not subject to expiration	9,800
R&D tax credit carryforwards	6,900
Valuation allowance, deferred tax assets, california	25,800
Valuation allowance, deferred tax assets, foreign	$ 4,600
Effective tax rate	3.40%	9.50%	78.50%
Provision for income taxes	$ 8,096	$ 26,802	$ 154,069
Unrecognized tax benefits, gross	60,691	108,539	$ 102,009	$ 98,665
Unrecognized tax benefits if recognized, would affect our effective tax rate	42,000
Estimated decrease in unrecognized tax benefits due to lapse in statute of limitations	24,000
Increase in interest expense for current tax provision	(6,300)	$ 3,500
Foreign Tax Credit Carryforward
Tax Credit Carryforward [Line Items]
Tax credit carryforward	8,500
California Research Tax Credit Carryforward
Tax Credit Carryforward [Line Items]
Tax credit carryforward	34,700
Research Tax Credit Carryforward
Tax Credit Carryforward [Line Items]
Tax credit carryforward	$ 2,600

Income Taxes (Components Of Inc

Income Taxes (Components Of Income Before Provision For Income Taxes) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Sep. 25, 2020	Jun. 26, 2020	Mar. 27, 2020	Dec. 27, 2019	Sep. 27, 2019	Jun. 28, 2019	Mar. 29, 2019	Dec. 28, 2018	Sep. 25, 2020	Sep. 27, 2019	Sep. 28, 2018
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
U.S.									$ 32,426	$ 60,500	$ 27,819
Foreign									207,289	221,807	168,555
Income before income taxes	$ 34,492	$ 39,990	$ 110,779	$ 54,454	$ 56,251	$ 41,800	$ 110,002	$ 74,254	$ 239,715	$ 282,307	$ 196,374

Income Taxes (Schedule Of Provi

Income Taxes (Schedule Of Provision For Income Taxes ) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 25, 2020	Sep. 27, 2019	Sep. 28, 2018
Current:
Federal	$ (48,517)	$ 14,144	$ 40,624
State	735	394	333
Foreign	61,153	64,335	59,383
Total current	13,371	78,873	100,340
Deferred:
Federal	(4,674)	(55,793)	43,377
State	(111)	1,007	17,484
Foreign	(490)	2,715	(7,132)
Total deferred	(5,275)	(52,071)	53,729
Provision for income taxes	$ 8,096	$ 26,802	$ 154,069

Income Taxes (Summary Of Tax Ef

Income Taxes (Summary Of Tax Effects Of The Temporary Differences Between Carrying Amounts And Amounts Used For Tax) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 25, 2020	Sep. 27, 2019
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Investments	$ 1,899	$ 2,099
Inventories	6,863	4,041
Net operating loss	3,450	2,050
Accrued expenses	13,839	13,917
Stock-based compensation	17,397	17,189
Revenue recognition	4,374	4,410
Depreciation and amortization	45,572	19,988
Lease liability	17,655	0
Research and development credits	31,795	28,777
Foreign tax credits	12,161	10,777
Deferred Tax Assets, Unrealized Currency Losses	9,788	33,357
Other	4,765	4,705
Total gross deferred income tax assets	169,558	141,310
Less: valuation allowance	(30,416)	(24,884)
Total deferred income tax assets	139,142	116,426
Right of use asset	(17,360)	0
Intangibles	(2,901)	(2,351)
Deferred income tax assets, net	118,881	$ 114,075
Deferred Tax Assets, Operating Loss Carryforwards, Not Subject to Expiration	9,800
Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Credit Carryforwards, Research	$ 6,900

Income Taxes (Reconciliation Of

Income Taxes (Reconciliation Of Federal Statutory Tax Rate To Our Effective Tax Rate) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 25, 2020	Sep. 27, 2019	Sep. 28, 2018	Sep. 29, 2017
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Federal statutory rate	21.00%	21.00%	24.60%
State income taxes, net of federal effect	0.20%	0.20%	0.70%
Stock-based compensation expense rate			(5.20%)
Stock-based compensation expense rate	(2.70%)	(1.90%)
Research and development tax credits	(3.00%)	(4.70%)	(4.00%)
Tax exempt interest	(2.20%)	(0.70%)	0.00%
U.S. tax on foreign entities	3.10%	0.60%	0.00%
Foreign rate differential	(1.80%)	(4.40%)	(9.40%)
Audit settlements	(12.90%)	3.40%	3.70%
Tax Act	0.00%	(7.60%)	53.30%
Change in Valuation Allowance	0.00%	1.50%	8.30%
Other	1.70%	2.10%	6.50%
Effective tax rate	3.40%	9.50%	78.50%
Unrecognized Tax Benefits	$ 60,691	$ 108,539	$ 102,009	$ 98,665
Unrecognized tax benefits if recognized, would affect our effective tax rate	$ 42,000

Income Taxes (Aggregate Changes

Income Taxes (Aggregate Changes In Balance Of Gross Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Excluding Interest And Penalties) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 25, 2020	Sep. 27, 2019	Sep. 28, 2018
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Unrecognized tax benefits if recognized, would affect our effective tax rate	$ 42,000
Estimated decrease in unrecognized tax benefits due to lapse in statute of limitations	24,000
Reconciliation of Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Excluding Amounts Pertaining to Examined Tax Returns [Roll Forward]
Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Beginning Balance	108,539	$ 102,009	$ 98,665
Increases in balances related to tax positions taken during prior years	5,504	115	0
Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Decrease Resulting from Prior Period Tax Positions	0	0	(2,209)
Increases in balances related to tax positions taken during the current year	7,509	6,822	9,580
Settlements	(37)	0	(130)
Lapse of statute of limitations	(60,824)	(407)	(3,897)
Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Ending Balance	$ 60,691	$ 108,539	$ 102,009

Income Taxes (Interest and Pena

Income Taxes (Interest and Penalties on Unrecognized Tax Benefits) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 25, 2020	Sep. 27, 2019
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Accrued interest	$ 4,017	$ 10,315
Accrued penalties	45	44
Total	$ 4,062	$ 10,359

Restructuring (Summary of Chang

Restructuring (Summary of Changes in Restructuring Accruals) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 25, 2020	Sep. 27, 2019	Sep. 28, 2018
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Restructuring reserve, beginning balance	$ 15,851
Restructuring charges	1,821	$ 36,558	$ (446)
Cash payments	(22,194)
Non-cash charges	4,522
Restructuring reserve, ending balance	0	15,851
Employee Severance [Member]
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Restructuring reserve, beginning balance	128
Restructuring charges	0
Cash payments	(75)
Non-cash charges	(53)
Restructuring reserve, ending balance	0	128
Facility Closing [Member]
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Restructuring reserve, beginning balance	15,723
Restructuring charges	1,821
Cash payments	(22,119)
Non-cash charges	4,575
Restructuring reserve, ending balance	0	15,723
Write-Off Of Property And Equipment [Member]
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Restructuring reserve, beginning balance	0
Restructuring charges	0
Cash payments	0
Non-cash charges	0
Restructuring reserve, ending balance	0	0
Other Restructuring [Member]
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Restructuring reserve, beginning balance	0
Restructuring charges	0
Cash payments	0
Non-cash charges	0
Restructuring reserve, ending balance	$ 0	0
2019 Restructuring Plan [Member]
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Restructuring charges		$ 36,600

Commitments And Contingencies_2

Commitments And Contingencies (Narrative) (Details)	9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Jun. 28, 2013	Sep. 25, 2020
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Term of agreement	20 years	15 years

Commitments And Contingencies_3

Commitments And Contingencies (Schedule Of Contractual Obligations And Commitments) (Details) $ in Thousands	Sep. 25, 2020USD ($)
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Naming rights, Fiscal 2021	$ 7,915
Naming rights, Fiscal 2022	8,015
Naming rights, Fiscal 2023	8,116
Naming rights, Fiscal 2024	8,219
Naming rights, Fiscal 2025	8,322
Naming rights, Thereafter	61,277
Naming rights, Total	101,864
Purchase obligations
Purchase Obligation, Fiscal 2021	17,305
Purchase Obligation, Fiscal 2022	2,991
Purchase Obligation, Fiscal 2023	139
Purchase Obligation, Fiscal 2024	0
Purchase Obligation, Fiscal 2025	0
Purchase Obligation, Thereafter	0
Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation	20,435
Donation commitments
Donation commitments, Fiscal 2021	4,803
Donation commitments, Fiscal 2022	155
Donation commitments, Fiscal 2023	155
Donation commitments, Fiscal 2024	155
Donation commitments, Fiscal 2025	155
Donation commitments, Thereafter	1,002
Donation commitments, Total	6,425
Total
Total, due in Fiscal 2021	30,023
Total, due in Fiscal 2022	11,161
Total, due in Fiscal 2023	8,410
Total, due in Fiscal 2024	8,374
Total, due in Fiscal 2025	8,477
Total, due Thereafter	62,279
Total due	$ 128,724

Operating Segments and Geogra_3

Operating Segments and Geographic Data (Revenue By Geographic Region) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Sep. 25, 2020	Jun. 26, 2020	Mar. 27, 2020	Dec. 27, 2019	Sep. 27, 2019	Jun. 28, 2019	Mar. 29, 2019	Dec. 28, 2018	Sep. 25, 2020	Sep. 27, 2019	Sep. 28, 2018
Segment Reporting, Revenue Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Document Period End Date									Sep. 25, 2020
Total revenue	$ 271,191	$ 246,909	$ 351,815	$ 291,877	$ 298,827	$ 302,159	$ 338,258	$ 302,376	$ 1,161,792	$ 1,241,620	$ 1,054,600
United States
Segment Reporting, Revenue Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Total revenue											353,235
International
Segment Reporting, Revenue Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Total revenue											$ 701,365

Operating Segments and Geogra_4

Operating Segments and Geographic Data (Schedule Of Concentration Of Revenue From Individual Geographic Regions) (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 25, 2020	Sep. 27, 2019	Sep. 28, 2018
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Document Period End Date	Sep. 25, 2020
Concentration of revenue from individual geographic regions	100.00%	100.00%	100.00%
United States
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Concentration of revenue from individual geographic regions	40.00%	36.00%	33.00%
South Korea [Member]
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Concentration of revenue from individual geographic regions	12.00%	12.00%	17.00%
China [Member]
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Concentration of revenue from individual geographic regions	20.00%	20.00%	15.00%
Japan [Member]
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Concentration of revenue from individual geographic regions	9.00%	11.00%	13.00%
Europe [Member]
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Concentration of revenue from individual geographic regions	10.00%	12.00%	12.00%
Taiwan [Member]
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Concentration of revenue from individual geographic regions	2.00%	4.00%	3.00%
Other [Member]
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Concentration of revenue from individual geographic regions	7.00%	5.00%	7.00%

Operating Segments and Geogra_5

Operating Segments and Geographic Data (Schedule Of Long-Lived Assets, Net Of Accumulated Depreciation, By Geographic Region) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 25, 2020	Sep. 27, 2019
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Total long-lived tangible assets, net of accumulated depreciation	$ 541,963	$ 537,432
United States
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Long-lived assets	453,889	460,370
International
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Long-lived assets	$ 88,074	$ 77,062

Related Party Transactions (Det

Related Party Transactions (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 25, 2020	Sep. 27, 2019	Sep. 28, 2018
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Restructuring charges	$ 1,821	$ 36,558	$ (446)
Related party rent expense	126	16,360	3,483
Distribution to controlling interest	$ 283	$ 1,015	$ 1,022
Dolby Properties Brisbane, LLC
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Ownership interest (percent)	49.00%
Dolby Properties Burbank, LLC
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Ownership interest (percent)	49.00%
Dolby Properties, LP
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Ownership interest (percent)	10.00%
Principal Stockholder | 100 Potrero Avenue
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Restructuring charges	$ 33,500

Retirement Plans (Details)

Retirement Plans (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Jun. 28, 2019	Sep. 25, 2020	Sep. 27, 2019
Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits Cost (Reversal of Cost) [Abstract]
Document Period End Date		Sep. 25, 2020
Retirement plan expenses	$ 23,439	$ 25,257	$ 23,375

Selected Quarterly Financial _3

Selected Quarterly Financial Data (unaudited) (Schedule Of Selected Quarterly Financial Data) (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Sep. 25, 2020	Jun. 26, 2020	Mar. 27, 2020	Dec. 27, 2019	Sep. 27, 2019	Jun. 28, 2019	Mar. 29, 2019	Dec. 28, 2018	Sep. 25, 2020	Sep. 27, 2019	Sep. 28, 2018
Revenue from contract with customer									$ 1,161,792	$ 1,241,620
Total revenue	$ 271,191	$ 246,909	$ 351,815	$ 291,877	$ 298,827	$ 302,159	$ 338,258	$ 302,376	1,161,792	1,241,620	$ 1,054,600
Cost of revenue	42,465	29,888	36,830	37,315	45,960	39,690	36,575	38,629	146,498	160,854	127,562
Gross margin	228,726	217,021	314,985	254,562	252,867	262,469	301,683	263,747	1,015,294	1,080,766	927,038
Income/(loss) before taxes and controlling interest	34,492	39,990	110,779	54,454	56,251	41,800	110,002	74,254	239,715	282,307	196,374
Net income attributable to Dolby Laboratories, Inc.	$ 26,829	$ 67,285	$ 88,496	$ 48,753	$ 43,918	$ 39,574	$ 73,440	$ 98,219	$ 231,363	$ 255,151	$ 41,746
Net Income Per Share:
Basic (usd per share)	$ 0.27	$ 0.67	$ 0.88	$ 0.49	$ 0.44	$ 0.39	$ 0.72	$ 0.96	$ 2.30	$ 2.51	$ 0.40
Diluted (usd per share)	$ 0.26	$ 0.66	$ 0.86	$ 0.47	$ 0.43	$ 0.38	$ 0.70	$ 0.93	$ 2.25	$ 2.44	$ 0.39
Weighted-average shares outstanding:
Basic (shares)	100,473	100,593	100,854	100,336	100,481	101,218	102,141	102,677	100,564	101,629	103,377
Diluted (shares)	102,722	102,075	102,773	103,078	102,945	103,717	104,587	106,130	102,944	104,572	106,978
Licensing
Revenue from contract with customer	$ 256,904	$ 235,125	$ 328,865	$ 257,683	$ 264,796	$ 271,897	$ 310,308	$ 260,279	$ 1,078,577	$ 1,107,280	$ 940,777
Product and service [Member]
Revenue from contract with customer	$ 14,287	$ 11,784	$ 22,950	$ 34,194	$ 34,031	$ 30,262	$ 27,950	$ 42,097

Subsequent Events (Details)

Subsequent Events (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 24, 2021	Sep. 25, 2020	Sep. 27, 2019	Sep. 28, 2018
Subsequent Events [Abstract]
Restructuring charges		$ 1,821	$ 36,558	$ (446)
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Restructuring charges		$ 1,821	$ 36,558	$ (446)
2021 Restructuring Plan [Member] | Subsequent Event [Member]
Subsequent Events [Abstract]
Restructuring charges	$ 10,000
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Restructuring charges	$ 10,000

Uncategorized Items - dlb-20200

Label	Element	Value
Cash, Cash Equivalents, Restricted Cash and Restricted Cash Equivalents	us-gaap_CashCashEquivalentsRestrictedCashAndRestrictedCashEquivalents	$ 634,368,000